Silphium Definition

sĭlfē-əm
noun
An extinct North African plant, often classified in the genus Ferula, that produced a resin that was a popular seasoning in ancient Greece and Rome. It became extinct in antiquity, probably from overharvesting and overgrazing.
American Heritage
A plant of the genus Silphium, such as the compass plant.
American Heritage
Synonyms:
  • genus Silphium

Other Word Forms of Silphium

Noun

Singular:
silphium
Plural:
silphia, silphiums

Origin of Silphium

  • Latin from Greek silphion perhaps of North African origin

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

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