nyssa

plural nyssas

1. A tree of the genus Nyssa.

   Like other nyssas, it is in nature a creature of swampy places and looks loveliest where massed close to water and reflected in it, but justifies itself elsewhere if the soil is moist and acid, succeeding in wet clay.

   1975, Peter N. Barber, Cecil Ernest Lucas Phillips, The Trees Around Us, page 101

1. A female given name.

   Bliss gasped, and Nyssa could not help the little giggle that escaped her. It was not often that someone could set her aunt back on her heels so firmly and neatly.

   2012, Bertrice Small, Love, Remember Me, page 100

   2 more examples

   Claire would have wagered there was nothing in life that could make her like Nyssa. But Claire had not counted on Nyssa herself. Nyssa's aim in life seemed to be to do whatever she wanted whenever she wanted to do it.

   1992, Jude Deveraux, The Duchess, page 276

   “What?” Nyssa asks, in shock. Bejine hurries from the area with his daughter in his arms. Barry, Nyssa and the rest quickly follow. Bejine stops outside of the portal. He is about to enter it when Nyssa stops him. “You said 'only on this world'?" Nyssa remarks. "What did you mean by that?"

   2009, Benjamin W. Schenk, The Immortals: Eternal War, page 583

2. historicalAn ancient Roman town in Cappadocia, noted for its once bishop, the 4th century Christian saint Gregory of Nyssa.
3. A city in Malheur County, Oregon, United States.