Al"ka*net (#), n. [Dim. of Sp. alcana, alhea, in which al is the Ar. article. See Henna, and cf. Orchanet.]
1. Chem.
A dyeing matter extracted from the roots of Alkanna tinctoria, which gives a fine deep red color.
2. Bot. (a)
A boraginaceous herb (Alkanna tinctoria) yielding the dye; orchanet.
(b)
The similar plant Anchusa officinalis; bugloss; also, the American puccoon.
© Webster 1913.