henna
henna Lexical Profile
henna Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A reddish-brown dye prepared from the powdered leaves of a tropical shrub, widely used to temporarily color hair, skin, and fingernails.
"She adorned her hands with intricate henna designs for the traditional wedding ceremony."
A tropical Old World shrub (Lawsonia inermis) native to northern Africa, western Asia, and northern Australia, possessing small opposite leaves and fragrant white or pink flowers.
"The farmers cultivated henna in the arid region to supply the local cosmetic markets."
A vibrant reddish-brown color resembling the traditional dye.
"The artist chose a warm henna for the background of the portrait."
• verb
To dye, stain, or decorate (hair, skin, or fabric) using henna.
"During the festival, many women gather to henna their hands with elaborate floral patterns."
• Rhymes for henna
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed into English in the early 17th century from Arabic 'ḥinnāʾ', referring both to the shrub Lawsonia inermis and the dye extracted from it.