Althea

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A genus of flowering plants in the mallow family known for their hibiscus-like blossoms and used ornamentally in gardens; a female given name derived from Greek, associated with healing and mythological figures; a soft, delicate fabric historically made from cotton or silk often used in clothing and upholstery
2. A plant group characterized by showy, trumpet-shaped flowers typically cultivated for decorative purposes; a personal name rooted in ancient Greek meaning "healer" and linked to mythic stories; a fine textile material valued for its smooth texture and classical usage in garments
3. A type of shrub bearing vibrant, colorful flowers prominent in horticulture and landscaping; a feminine proper name with etymological ties to medicinal qualities within Greek mythology; a traditional cloth made from natural fibers prized for its gentle feel and elegance in fabric arts

Etymology: Among the plants, the name goes back to Greek "althaia," which was the word for the marshmallow plant, a plant whose root was used in healing. Greek physicians prized it for soothing inflamed tissues, and the same idea of healing gave the Greek word a root in "altho," meaning "to heal." Latin took the word over as "althaea," and English borrowed it from that Latin form. The plant itself is in the mallow family, the same family as hibiscus, and its flowers look much like hibiscus blooms, which explains why gardeners grow it for display. The plant's name then passed into personal use. As a given name, Althea draws on the same Greek association with healing, and in Greek myth the name belongs to Althaea, the mother of Meleager, whose life was bound to a burning log. The fabric sense is a separate, later application of the name, and the source does not give its history, so it is not traced here.

Synonyms: mallow, hollyhock, rose mallow, hibiscus