a dicotyledonous evergreen plant (Galax aphylla) of the SE U.S., with shiny leaves (often used in wreaths) and small, white flowers
Origin:
ModL, prob. < Gr gala, milk (see galactic): from its white flower
See galax in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun
A stemless evergreen perennial plant (Galax urceolata) of the eastern United States, having a rosette of glossy, heart-shaped leaves and small white flowers in spikelike clusters. Also called beetleweed, coltsfoot, wandflower.
Origin:
Origin: New Latin Galax, genus name
Origin: , ultimately from Greek gala, galakt-, milk; see Galaxy