smilax

[ smahy-laks ]

noun

1. any plant belonging to the genus Smilax, of the lily family, growing in tropical and temperate zones, consisting mostly of vines having woody stems.
2. a delicate, twining plant, Asparagus asparagoides, of the lily family, having glossy, bright-green, egg-shaped leaves, cultivated by florists.

smilax

/ ˈsmaɪlæks /

noun

1. any typically climbing shrub of the smilacaceous genus Smilax, of warm and tropical regions, having slightly lobed leaves, small greenish or yellow flowers, and berry-like fruits: includes the sarsaparilla plant and greenbrier
2. a fragile, much branched liliaceous vine, Asparagus asparagoides, of southern Africa: cultivated by florists for its glossy bright green foliage

Word History and Origins

Origin of smilax¹

1595–1605; < Latin smīlax bindweed < Greek smîlax bindweed, yew

Word History and Origins

Origin of smilax¹

C17: via Latin from Greek: bindweed

Example Sentences

What I really missed was a memory, an old memory of people long since gone, of my grandparents’ house bursting with cousins, smilax and holly.

From The Guardian

Leaves, tall grass, ivy and prickly smilax cover the ground but can be pushed back to reveal brick surrounds marking family plots.

From Washington Times

In the common catbrier or smilax we see two slender thread-like tendrils growing from the base of each leaf.

From Project Gutenberg

The table was laid in the form ol a horse shoe with a train of smilax, and sweet flowers extending the entire length of the table, amid pots of chrysanthemums and roses.

From Project Gutenberg

In this retreat for bears, prickly smilax, brambles, and other thorny plants, tear the strongest hunting dress, and leather alone resists these enemies.

From Project Gutenberg