online medical dictionary | definition of mallows

<botany> A genus of plants (Malva) having mucilaginous qualities. See Malvaceous.

The flowers of the common mallow (M. Sylvestris) are used in medicine. The dwarf mallow (M. Rotundifolia) is a common weed, and its flattened, dick-shaped fruits are called cheeses by children. Tree mallow (M. Mauritiana and Lavatera arborea), musk mallow (M. Moschata), rose mallow or hollyhock, and curled mallow (M. Crispa), are less commonly seen. Indian mallow. See Abutilon. Jew's mallow, a plant (Corchorus olitorius) used as a pot herb by the Jews of Egypt and Syria. Marsh mallow. See Marsh.

Origin: OE. Malwe, AS. Mealwe, fr. L. Malva, akin to Gr. Malachh; cf. Malassein to soften, malakos soft. Named either from its softening or relaxing properties, or from its soft downy leaves. Cf. Mauve, Malachite.

(01 Mar 1998)