Orobanche

noun

Oro·​ban·​che
: a large genus (the type of the family Orobanchaceae) of root-parasitic herbs native to the Old World and western America that have fleshy yellowish white and spicate bracted flowers see broomrape

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, broomrape, from Greek orobanchē dodder, broomrape, from orobos bitter vetch, chick-pea + anchein to strangle

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near Orobanche

Cite this Entry

“Orobanche.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Orobanche. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!