senna

American  

[sen-uh] / ˈsɛn ə /

noun

1. any plant, shrub, or tree belonging to the genus Cassia, of the legume family, having pinnate leaves and large clusters of flowers.

2. any of various cathartic drugs consisting of the dried leaflets of certain of these plants, as one drug Alexandrian senna derived from C. acutifolia, or another Tinnevelly senna derived from C. angustifolia.

3. wild senna.

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senna ¹ British  

/ ˈsɛnə /

noun

1. any of various tropical plants of the leguminous genus Cassia , esp C. angustifolia ( Arabian senna ) and C. acutifolia ( Alexandrian senna ), having typically yellow flowers and long pods

2. the dried leaflets of any of these plants, used as a cathartic and laxative

3. the dried fruits of any of these plants, used as a cathartic and laxative

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Senna ² British  

/ ˈsɛnə /

noun

1. Ayrton (ˈɛətən). 1960–94, Brazilian racing driver: world champion (1988, 1990, 1991)

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Etymology

Origin of senna

1535–45; < New Latin < Arabic sanā

Example Sentences

In fact, we do not recommend it since the senna it contains is a harsh laxative unsuitable for regular use.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 7, 2023

Other recent blooms include a native grass called needle grama, brittle creosote, desert senna, Acton encelia or brittlebush, and big galleta grass.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 8, 2021

They include various asclepias, tithonia, giant coneflower and the Maryland wild senna, the last a native plant deserving much more garden use.

From Washington Post • May 28, 2019

Flat Tummy Co’s tea contains senna, a laxative, which Scherr said could help with bloating but could also lead to dependence on laxatives.

From The Guardian • Aug. 29, 2018

See that the senna leaves and fruit are thoroughly mixed and finely chopped.

From Dietetics for Nurses by Proudfit, Fairfax T.