alyssum

a·lys·sum  (-lsm)

n.

1. See sweet alyssum.

2. Any of various chiefly Mediterranean weeds or ornamentals of the genus Alyssum in the mustard family, having racemes of white or yellow flowers. Also called madwort.

3. See hoary alyssum.

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[New Latin Alyssum, genus name, from Latin alysson, kind of madder, from Greek alusson, a plant believed to cure rabies : a-, not; see a-¹ + lussa, rabies; see wk^wo- in Indo-European roots.]

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alyssum [ˈælɪsəm]

n

(Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Plants) any widely cultivated herbaceous garden plant of the genus Alyssum, having clusters of small yellow or white flowers: family Brassicaceae (crucifers) See also sweet alyssum, alison

[from New Latin, from Greek alusson, from alussos (adj) curing rabies, referring to the ancient belief in the plant's healing properties]

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	alyssum - any garden plant of the genus Alyssum having clusters of small yellow or white flowers madwort crucifer, cruciferous plant - any of various plants of the family Cruciferae genus Alyssum, Alyssum - a genus of the family Cruciferae
	2.	Alyssum - a genus of the family Cruciferae genus Alyssum dilleniid dicot genus - genus of more or less advanced dicotyledonous trees and shrubs and herbs Brassicaceae, Cruciferae, family Brassicaceae, family Cruciferae, mustard family - a large family of plants with four-petaled flowers; includes mustards, cabbages, broccoli, turnips, cresses, and their many relatives alyssum, madwort - any garden plant of the genus Alyssum having clusters of small yellow or white flowers