amaranth

noun

am·​a·​ranth ˈa-mə-ˌran(t)th 

1

: any of a large genus (Amaranthus of the family Amaranthaceae, the amaranth family) of coarse annual herbs with clusters of small green, dark pink, red, or purplish flowers and including forms cultivated as food crops and various pigweeds

2

: a flower that never fades

3

: a pinkish or rosy red

4

: a red azo dye

Examples of amaranth in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

While some amaranth varieties, like the colorful ‘Burgundy Amaranth,’ are too tall for most planters, dwarf amaranths like ‘Globe Amaranth’ or ‘Pygmy’s Torch’ are the perfect size for pots. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Sep. 2024

Other nutritional uses of amaranth include adding amaranth leaves to salads and other dishes. —Isabel Vasquez Rd Ldn, Health, 5 Sep. 2024

Other alternative grain options include quinoa, rice, amaranth, and millet. —Lauren Manaker Ms, Rdn, Health, 16 July 2024

This may be due to the fact that, like most plants, amaranth is rich in antioxidants. —Anthea Levi, Health, 16 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin amarantus, a flower, from Greek amaranton, from neuter of amarantos unfading, from a- + marainein to waste away

First Known Use

1616, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing amaranth

• globe amaranth

Kids Definition

amaranth

noun

am·​a·​ranth ˈam-ə-ˌran(t)th 

: any of various herbs including some considered weeds and others grown for their colorful leaves or spikes of flowers

Medical Definition

amaranth

noun

am·​a·​ranth ˈam-ə-ˌran(t)th 

1

: any plant of the genus Amaranthus

2

: a red acid azo dye C₂₀H₁₁N₂Na₃O₁₀S₃ that is used chiefly in coloring foods, beverages, and pharmaceutical preparations and in dyeing wool and silk