saxifrage

• POS: Noun
• HYPHEN: sax=i=frage

CIDE DICTIONARY

saxifrage, n. [L. saxifraga, from saxifragus stone-breaking; saxum rock + frangere to break: cf. F. saxifrage. See Fracture, and cf. Sassafras, Saxon.].

 Any plant of the genus Saxifraga, mostly perennial herbs growing in crevices of rocks in mountainous regions.  [1913 Webster]

Burnet saxifrage, a European umbelliferous plant (Pimpinella Saxifraga). -- Golden saxifrage, a low half-succulent herb (Chrysosplenium oppositifolium) growing in rivulets in Europe; also, C. Americanum, common in the United States. See also under Golden. -- Meadow saxifrage, or Pepper saxifrage. See under Meadow.

OXFORD DICTIONARY

saxifrage, n. any plant of the genus Saxifraga, growing on rocky or stony ground and usu. bearing small white, yellow, or red flowers.

Etymology

ME f. OF saxifrage or LL saxifraga (herba) f. L saxum rock + frangere break