alyssum

 
Pronunciation: /ˈalɪs(ə)m, əˈlɪs(ə)m/

noun (plural alyssums)

  • a herbaceous Eurasian plant which typically bears small white or yellow flowers. Some kinds are cultivated in gardens.
    • Genera Alyssum and Lobularia, family Cruciferae: many species

Origin:

mid 16th century (used loosely to denote various medicinal herbs): modern Latin, from Latin alysson, from Greek alusson, from a- 'without' + lussa 'rabies' (referring to early herbalist use)