any saxifragaceous plant of the genus Saxifraga, characterized by smallish white, yellow, purple, or pink flowers
Word origin
C15: from Late Latin saxifraga, literally: rock-breaker (probably alluding to its ability to dissolve kidney stones),from Latin saxum rock + frangere to break
saxifrage in American English
(ˈsæksəˌfrɪdʒ)
noun
1.
any of a genus (Saxifraga) of chiefly perennial plants of the saxifrage family, with small white, yellow, purple, or pinkish flowers,and with leaves massed usually at the base of the plant
adjective
2.
designating a family (Saxifragaceae, order Rosales) of dicotyledonous plants found chiefly inthe North Temperate and Arctic zones, including the currants and gooseberries
Word origin
ME < MFr < L saxifraga < saxum, a rock (see saxatile) + base of frangere, to break: prob. from growing in rock crevices