amaranth

noun

am·​a·​ranth ˈa-mə-ˌran(t)th How to pronounce amaranth (audio)
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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Nutrient-dense grains—such as quinoa, amaranth, and sorghum—provide protein, fiber, and essential vitamins. Jillian Kubala, Health, 1 Oct. 2024 Health-forward organic ingredients such as amaranth and jowar (sorghum) are also incorporated into the dishes. Kaila Yu, Forbes, 25 Sep. 2024 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 See all Example Sentences for amaranth 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of amaranth was in 1616

Dictionary Entries Near amaranth

Cite this Entry

“Amaranth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amaranth. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

amaranth

noun
am·​a·​ranth ˈam-ə-ˌran(t)th How to pronounce amaranth (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce amaranth (audio)
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

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