Lexic.us

Definition of Melissa

1. Noun. A genus of Old World mints of the family Labiatae.

Definition of Melissa

1. n. A genus of labiate herbs, including the balm, or bee balm (Melissa officinalis).

Definition of Melissa

1. Proper noun. (Greek god) Bee-nymph in Greek mythology. ¹

2. Proper noun. (Ancient Greek female given name). Popular in the latter half of the 20th century. ¹

3. Noun. A plant of the ''Melissa'' genus, especially lemon balm, often used medicinally. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Medical Definition of Melissa

1. A genus of labiate herbs, including the balm, or bee balm (Melissa officinalis). Origin: NL, fr. Gr. Melissa a bee, honey. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Melissa

Literary usage of Melissa

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Medical Lexicon: A Dictionary of Medical Science; Containing a Concise by Robley Dunglison (1874)
"In this state, it is sprinkled or dusted on excoriated parts, or to prevent excoriation, *tc. Calamina'ris, Calamina. Cal amint, melissa ..."

2. The Observer by Richard Cumberland (1822)
"The report of these rebuffs set melissa free from any future solicitations, and it appeared as if she was destined to enjoy a sabbath of virginity for the ..."

3. The Works of Samuel Johnson by Samuel Johnson, Arthur Murphy (1825)
"... and read by those who copied them as sent to themselves ; my visits were solicited as honours, and multitudes boasted of an intimacy with melissa, ..."

4. Poems and Portraits by Don Marquis (1922)
"melissa"' XXVII melissa lisps a little bit; I wis melissa wisses Lillith lisped ... melissa, from her instep to her hat, Is lithe and Lillith-like ... or ..."

5. Medical Lexicon: A Dictionary of Medical Science; Containing a Concise by Robley Dunglison (1854)
"The leaves of balm, melissa (Ph. US), have a pleasant odour; and an austere and aromatic taste. Balm was formerly much used in nervous diseases, ..."

Other Resources: