ech·i·na·ce·a ( k  -n  s -, -nsh)n. 1. Any of several coneflowers of the genus Echinacea, having usually pinkish-purple ray flowers. 2. The roots, seeds, or other parts of such a plant, used in herbal medicine. [New Latin Ech  ncea, genus name, from Latin echnus, sea urchin (from its rough leaves); see echinus.] |
echinacea [ˌɛkɪˈneɪʃɪə]
n
1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Plants) either of the two N American plants of the genus Echinacea, having flower heads with purple rays and black centres: family Compositae (composites) Also called purple coneflower See coneflower
2. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Plants) the powdered root of either of these plants, used to stimulate the immune system
[from New Latin, from Latin echīnātus prickly, from echīnus hedgehog]
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. |  Echinacea - small genus of North American coarse perennial herbsasterid dicot genus - genus of more or less advanced dicotyledonous herbs and some trees and shrubs aster family, Asteraceae, Compositae, family Asteraceae, family Compositae - plants with heads composed of many florets: aster; daisy; dandelion; goldenrod; marigold; lettuces; ragweed; sunflower; thistle; zinnia coneflower - any of various perennials of the eastern United States having thick rough leaves and long-stalked showy flowers with drooping rays and a conelike center |
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