alyssum

(ə lisəm)

noun

  1. any of a genus (Alyssum) of crucifers with white or yellow flowers and grayish leaves
  2. sweet alyssum

Origin: ModL < Gr alysson, madwort < alyssos, curing madness < a-, without + lyssa, madness, rage; ? orig., with shining eyes (see light): cf. lynx

See alyssum in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
  1. See sweet alyssum.
  2. Any of various chiefly Mediterranean weeds or ornamentals of the genus Alyssum in the mustard family, having racemes of white or yellow flowers. Also called madwort.
  3. See hoary alyssum.

Origin:

Origin: New Latin Alyssum, genus name

Origin: , from Latin alysson, kind of madder

Origin: , from Greek alusson, a plant believed to cure rabies

Origin: : a-, not; see a-1

Origin: + lussa, rabies; see wl̥kwo- in Indo-European roots

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