henna

Etymology

Borrowed from Arabic حِنَّاء (ḥinnāʔ), the name of the tree used to make the dye, probably from Middle Persian [script needed] (*hannāy-, “to smear, anoint”).

noun

1. (countable) A shrub, Lawsonia inermis, having fragrant reddish flowers
2. (countable, uncountable) A 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.
3. (countable and uncountable) A rich reddish-brown colour.
   henna:

adj

1. Of a rich reddish-brown colour.

verb

1. (transitive) To dye or tattoo with henna.