First Known Use: 1548
Dictionary
portulaca
noun por·tu·laca \ˌpȯr-chə-ˈla-kə\
Definition of PORTULACA
: any of a genus (Portulaca) of chiefly tropical succulent herbs of the purslane family; especially : a widely cultivated South American plant (P. grandiflora) with showy flowers and small conical leaves
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Origin of PORTULACA
New Latin, from Latin, purslane, from portula, diminutive of porta gate; from the lid of its capsule — more at port
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