Clethra

noun

Cle·​thra
ˈklēthrə,
-eth-
: a genus (coextensive with the family Clethraceae) of deciduous shrubs or trees with stellate pubescence and capsular fruits of three locules see sweet pepperbush, white alder

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek klēthra alder; akin to German (Tirolese dialect) lutter green alder (Alnus viridis)

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Cite this Entry

“Clethra.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Clethra. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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