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Webster 1913 Edition


Alcanna

‖

Al-can′na

,
Noun.
[Sp.
alcana
,
alhe[GREEK]a
, fr. Ar.
al-hinnā
. See
Henna
, and cf.
Alkanet
.]
(Bot.)
An oriental shrub (
Lawsonia inermis
) from which henna is obtained.

Webster 1828 Edition


Alcanna

ALCAN'NA

,
Noun.
A plant; and a powder, prepared from the leaves of the Egyptian privet, used by the Turkish females to give a golden color to the nails and hair. Infused in water it forms a yellow color; with vinegar, it forms a red. From the berries is extracted an oil, used in medicine. In Cairo, it forms an article of commerce.