I. ˈhenə noun
( -s )
Etymology: Arabic ḥinnā' alcanna ( Lawsonia inermis )
1. : an Old World tropical shrub or small tree ( Lawsonia inermis ) with small opposite leaves and axillary panicles of fragrant white flowers used by Buddhists and Muslims in religious ceremonies — called also Egyptian henna
2.
a. : a reddish brown dye obtained from leaves of the henna plant and used in tinting or dyeing the hair red
b. : a liquid, powder, or paste made by mixing henna with other coloring agents (as metallic lakes, tannin, lampblack) — called also compound henna
3. : a variable color averaging a strong and moderate reddish brown to strong brown
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
: to dye with henna