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HENNA

 - 4 dictionary results

hen⋅na

[hen-uh] noun, verb, -naed, -na⋅ing.
–noun
1. an Asian shrub or small tree, Lawsonia inermis, of the loosestrife family, having elliptic leaves and fragrant flowers.
2. a reddish-orange dye or cosmetic made from the leaves of this plant.
3. a color midway between red-brown and orange-brown.
–verb (used with object)
4. to tint or dye with henna.

Origin:
1590–1600; < Ar hinnā'
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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hen·na   (hěn'ə)   
n.  
    1. A tree or shrub (Lawsonia inermis) of the Middle East, having fragrant white or reddish flowers.

    2. A reddish-orange dyestuff prepared from the dried and ground leaves of this plant, used as a cosmetic dye and for coloring leather and fabrics.

  1. A moderate or strong reddish brown to strong brown.

tr.v.   hen·naed, hen·na·ing, hen·nas
To dye (hair, for example) with henna.

[Arabic ḥinnā'; akin to ḥana'a, to become green.]
hen'na adj.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

henna 
1600, from Ar. hinna, name for the small thorny tree (Egyptian Privet, Lawsonia inermis) whose leaves are used to make the reddish dye, said to be of Persian origin.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: hen·na
Pronunciation: 'hen-&
Function: noun
1 : an Old World tropical shrub or small tree (Lawsonia inermis) of theloosestrife family (Lythraceae) with small opposite leaves and axillary panicles of fragrant white flowers
2 : a reddish brown dye obtained from the leaves of the henna plant andused especially on hair
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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