henna
noun
- vegetable dye
verb
- draw with henna
Wiktionary
Pronunciation: /hɛnə/
adj
Etymology: Borrowed from Arabic حِنَّاء (ḥinnāʔ), the name of the tree used to make the dye, probably from Middle Persian [script needed] (*hannāy-, “to smear, anoint”).
- Of a rich reddish-brown colour.
noun
Etymology: Borrowed from Arabic حِنَّاء (ḥinnāʔ), the name of the tree used to make the dye, probably from Middle Persian [script needed] (*hannāy-, “to smear, anoint”).
- A shrub, Lawsonia inermis, having fragrant reddish flowers.
- A flower of this plant.
“The aroma given off by flowers has an aphrodisiac effect, especially on women. This is so particularly in the case of lilies of the valley, gardenia, frangipani, and henna.”
- A reddish plant substance, prepared from the dried leaves of this plant, used for temporary tattoos and hair coloring. Hair colorings range from bright red to earth brown to near black.
“Among Arabs, it is believed that henna rubbed on the fingers, skull, and feet produces an aphrodisiac effect.”
- A rich reddish-brown colour.
verb
Etymology: Borrowed from Arabic حِنَّاء (ḥinnāʔ), the name of the tree used to make the dye, probably from Middle Persian [script needed] (*hannāy-, “to smear, anoint”).
- To dye or tattoo with henna.