henna

noun

1. (countable)A shrub, Lawsonia inermis, having fragrant reddish flowers.
2. (countable, uncountable)A flower of this plant.

   “The aroma given off by flowers has an aphrodisiac effect, especially on women. This is so particularly in the case of lilies of the valley, gardenia, frangipani, and henna.”

3. (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.

   “Among Arabs, it is believed that henna rubbed on the fingers, skull, and feet produces an aphrodisiac effect.”

4. (countable, uncountable)A rich reddish-brown colour.

adj

1. (not-comparable)Of a rich reddish-brown colour.

verb

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