henna
/'henə/
Definition
Noun:
- A reddish-brown dye obtained from the leaves of a tropical shrub, used especially for coloring hair and skin.
- The tropical shrub (Lawsonia inermis) from whose leaves this dye is made.
Verb:
- To apply henna dye to (hair or skin).
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- She decorated her hands with intricate patterns of henna for the wedding.
- The henna plant grows well in hot, dry climates.
- Verb:
- She hennas her hair every few months to cover the gray.
- They hennaed their palms as part of the traditional ceremony.
Advanced Usage
- "Henna paste": The prepared mixture of henna powder and other ingredients (like lemon juice or tea) ready for application.
- The artist prepared the henna paste in a cone for easy application.
- "Henna tattoo": A temporary design on the skin made with henna paste, which stains the skin a reddish-brown color that fades over weeks.
- Her henna tattoo lasted for about two weeks before it began to fade.
Variants and Related Words
- Hennaed (adj.): Describing hair or skin that has been colored with henna.
- She showed off her beautifully hennaed hair.
- Mehndi (n.): The traditional art form and practice of applying henna designs to the skin, especially in South Asian cultures.
- The bride's mehndi ceremony was held the night before the wedding.
Synonyms
- Dye (n.): A substance used to color materials.
- Stain (n./v.): To color or dye, especially by penetrating the surface.
Related Phrases
- To apply henna: The act of putting henna paste on hair or skin.
- It takes skill to apply henna in delicate patterns.
- Henna cone: A conical plastic or paper bag filled with henna paste, used to draw designs.
- She squeezed the henna cone gently to draw a fine line.
Related Idioms
(Note: There are no common English idioms that specifically feature the word "henna." Its usage is primarily literal, relating to the dye and its application.)
Noun
-
a reddish brown dye used especially on hair
Verb
-
apply henna to one's hair
-
She hennas her hair every month
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