henna

plural hennas

1. countableA shrub, Lawsonia inermis, having fragrant reddish flowers.
2. countableuncountableA flower of this plant.

   The aroma given off by flowers has an aphrodisiac effect, especially on women. This is so particularly in the case of lilies of the valley, gardenia, frangipani, and henna.

   1961, Harry E. Wedeck, Dictionary of Aphrodisiacs, New York: The Citadel Press, page 98

3. countableuncountableA reddish plant substance, prepared from the dried leaves of this plant, used for temporary tattoos and hair coloring. Hair colorings range from bright red to earth brown to near black.

   Among Arabs, it is believed that henna rubbed on the fingers, skull, and feet produces an aphrodisiac effect.

   1961, Harry E. Wedeck, Dictionary of Aphrodisiacs, New York: The Citadel Press, page 114

4. countableuncountableA rich reddish-brown colour.

1. not comparableOf a rich reddish-brown colour.

present singular third person hennas · participle present hennaing · participle past hennaed · past hennaed

1. transitiveTo dye or tattoo with henna.