/perrs"layn, -lin/ , n.
1. a low, trailing plant, Portulaca oleracea, having yellow flowers, used as a salad plant and potherb. Cf. purslane family .
2. any other plant of the purslane family.
[ 1350-1400; ME purcelan ( e ) porcelaine porcillagin- (s. of porcillago ), for L porcillaca, var. of PORTULACA PORTULACA ]