Word Study
chive
CIDE DICTIONARY
chive, n.
A filament of a stamen. [1913 Webster]
- A perennial plant (
Allium Schoenoprasum ), allied to the onion, having hollow cylindrical leaves used for seasoning. The young leaves are used in omelets, etc. [1913 Webster] - the bulbous herb
Allium Schoenoprasum used fresh as a mild onion-flavored seasoning. [WordNet 1.5]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
chive, n. a small alliaceous plant, Allium schoenoprasum, having purple-pink flowers and dense tufts of long tubular leaves which are used as a herb.
Etymology
ME f. OF cive f. L cepa onion
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