[ 'drʌɪəs ]
■ noun
1》 a plant of a genus that comprises the mountain avens. [Genus Dryas .]
2》 ( Dryas ) Geology a cold stage at the end of the glacial period in northern Europe, in which such plants were abundant.
Origin
mod. L., from Gk druas (see dryad ); so named because the plant's leaves resemble those of an oak.