alˈthēə noun
Etymology: New Latin, from L. marsh mallow, from Greek althaia
1. capitalized : a genus of Old World herbs (family Malvaceae) with terminal spikelike clusters of showy flowers each with 6 to 9 bracteoles below the calyx — see hollyhock , marshmallow
2. or althea -s
[Latin althaea ]
a. : rose of sharon 3
b. : a plant of the genus Althaea
c. : the dried root of the marsh mallow deprived of the brown corky layer and small roots and used as a demulcent and emollient