alkali heath

noun

: a California undershrub (Frankenia grandifolia) with revolute leaves, pinkish flowers in small terminal clusters, and linear many-seeded capsules

Word History

Etymology

so called from its growth in alkaline soil and from its heathlike leaves

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined above

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!