dog violet

noun

1

: a leafy-stemmed blue-flowered violet (Viola canina) found throughout the northern portions of the Old World

2

: any of several closely related plants of the genus Viola (especially V. conspersa)

Word History

Etymology

translation of New Latin viola canina

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!