Silphium Definition
sĭlfē-əm
noun
An extinct North African plant, often classified in the genus Ferula, that produced a resin that was a popular seasoning in ancient Greece and Rome. It became extinct in antiquity, probably from overharvesting and overgrazing.
American Heritage
A plant of the genus Silphium, such as the compass plant.
American Heritage
Synonyms:
- genus Silphium
Other Word Forms of Silphium
Noun
Singular:
silphium
Plural:
silphia, silphiumsOrigin of Silphium
Latin from Greek silphion perhaps of North African origin
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
Find Similar Words
Find similar words to silphium using the buttons below.