/hɛnə/
OriginBorrowed from Arabic حِنَّاء (ḥinnāʔ), the name of the tree used to make the dye, probably from Middle Persian [script needed] (*hannāy-, “to smear, anoint”).
- countableA shrub, Lawsonia inermis, having fragrant reddish flowers.
- countable, uncountableA 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.”
- countable, uncountableA 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.”
- countable, uncountableA rich reddish-brown colour.
- not-comparableOf a rich reddish-brown colour.
- transitiveTo dye or tattoo with henna.
Formshennas(plural) · hennas(present, singular, third-person) · hennaing(participle, present) · hennaed(participle, past) · hennaed(past)