henna

Meanings

1. A shrub, Lawsonia inermis, having fragrant reddish flowers.
2. A flower of this plant.
3. 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.
4. A rich reddish-brown colour.

1. Of a rich reddish-brown colour.

1. To dye or tattoo with henna.

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”).