Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition

(ăl′kȧ-nĕt)

Noun.

[Dim. of Sp.

alcana

alheña

, in which

is the Ar. article. See

, and cf.

(Chem.)

A dyeing matter extracted from the roots of

Alkanna tinctoria

, which gives a fine deep red color.

(Bot.)

(a)

A boraginaceous herb (

Alkanna tinctoria

) yielding the dye; orchanet.

(b)

The similar plant

Anchusa officinalis

; bugloss; also, the American puccoon.

Noun.

The plant bugloss. The root is used to impart a deep red color to oily substances, ointments, plasters, &c.