senna

[sen-uh]

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.

senna

¹

/ 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

Senna

²

/ ˈsɛnə /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of senna¹

1535–45; < New Latin < Arabic sanā

Word History and Origins

Origin of senna¹

C16: via New Latin from Arabic sanā

Example Sentences

In recent years laxatives have had a mainstream makeover: skinny teas and candies containing senna—an herbal laxative—were popular on Instagram several years ago.

From Scientific American

Whether or not they actually suggested it, the “black ball” recipe contains dried raisins and figs, olive oil, charcoal, glycerin, senna and slippery elm.

From Seattle Times

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

Another detox tea with no senna is promoted on its website.

From The Guardian

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