alexanders

[ al-ig-zan-derz, -zahn- ]

noun

, (used with a singular or plural verb)

, plural al·ex·an·ders.

1. a tall plant, Angelica atropurpurea, of the parsley family, having broad clusters of small white flowers.
2. a related plant, Smyrnium olusatrum, having yellowish flowers.

alexanders

/ ˌælɪɡˈzɑːndəz /

noun

1. a biennial umbelliferous plant, Smyrnium olusatrum, native to S Europe, with dense umbels of yellow-green flowers and black fruits
2. golden alexanders
   an umbelliferous plant, Zizia aurea, of North America, having yellow flowers in compound umbels

Word History and Origins

Origin of alexanders¹

Probably < French alexandre ( s ); compare Middle English alisaundre (< OF), Old English alexandre < Medieval Latin ( petroselīnum ) Alexandrīnum a name for Smyrnium olusatrum, and synonymous with Medieval Latin petroselīnum Macedonicum, apparently through association of Macedonia with Alexander the Great; parsley

Word History and Origins

Origin of alexanders¹

Old English, from Medieval Latin alexandrum, probably (through association in folk etymology with Alexander the Great) changed from Latin holus atrum black vegetable

Example Sentences

When Jackson returned 10 years later and asked the Alexanders for permission to film “The Hobbit” on their property, it came with a condition: This time, the structures built for the project had to be permanent.

From Los Angeles Times

There is wine and beer but also gin fizzes and martinis and Alexanders, “Clover Clubs cold as ice cream and pink as fingernail salve” — and highballs, an absolute waterfall of highballs.

From New York Times

When he was feeling aristocratic, as the man who forever changed the way football teams play offense, he would spend all night drinking Brandy Alexanders.

From Washington Post

The Alexanders kept poodles and dined together every night.

From New York Times

The Alexanders said this was the first time they had ever been involved in the same game as teammates or opponents.

From Seattle Times