Dictionary

purslane

noun purs·lane \ˈpər-slən, -ˌslān\

Definition of PURSLANE

:  any of a family (Portulacaceae, the purslane family) of cosmopolitan usually succulent herbs; especially :  a fleshy-leaved trailing plant (Portulaca oleracea) with tiny yellow flowers that is a common troublesome weed but is sometimes eaten as a potherb or in salads
ADVERTISEMENT

Origin of PURSLANE

Middle English, from Anglo-French porsulaigne, from Late Latin porcillagin-, porcillago, alteration of Latin porcillaca, alteration of portulaca
First Known Use: 14th century
ADVERTISEMENT
How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.
Test your vocab with our fun, fast game
Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears