Alexander
Proper noun 1. Alexander the Great: A historical figure, king of Macedon from 336 to 323 BC, renowned for creating one of the largest empires of the ancient world by conquering Greece, Egypt, and Persia. He founded the city of Alexandria. 2. Alexander (plant): A European herb (Smyrnium olusatrum) of the carrot family, with a taste somewhat resembling celery. It is widely naturalized in coastal regions of Britain and is often cultivated as a potherb or culinary herb.
- Proper noun (Historical figure):
- Alexander expanded his empire across three continents.
- The military strategies of Alexander are still studied today.
- Proper noun (Plant):
- The leaves of alexander can be used in salads.
- This recipe calls for alexander as a celery substitute.
- "Alexandrian": Pertaining to Alexander the Great or the city he founded, Alexandria.
- The Alexandrian empire was short-lived but influential.
- Used metonymically to refer to the era or achievements of Alexander the Great.
- The spread of Greek culture after Alexander is known as Hellenization.
- Alexandrian (adj.): Of or relating to Alexander the Great or Alexandria.
- Alexanders: A common alternate name for the plant .
- For the historical figure: Alexander the Great, Alexander III of Macedon.
- For the plant: Black lovage, horse parsley, alisanders.
This is a homograph: a single spelling representing two distinct words with different origins. The personal name is of Greek origin (Alexandros, meaning "defender of men"). The plant name is derived from the personal name, likely due to its historical association or cultivation.
- king of Macedon; conqueror of Greece and Egypt and Persia; founder of Alexandria (356-323 BC)
- European herb somewhat resembling celery widely naturalized in Britain coastal regions and often cultivated as a potherb