melissa

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A plant of the genus Melissa, especially lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), often used medicinally.
name
  1. Bee-nymph in Greek mythology.
  2. A female given name from Ancient Greek, popular in the latter half of the 20th century.

Pronunciation

/məˈlɪsə/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-Melissa.wav

Word forms

melissa melissas

Etymology

From Late Latin melissa, from Ancient Greek μέλισσα (mélissa, “bee”), because the plant attracts bees.

Synonyms

dropsywort honey plant

Related words

Melitta
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