Definition of "henna" []

• A tree or shrub (Lawsonia inermis) of the Middle East, having fragrant white or reddish flowers. (noun)
• A reddish-orange dyestuff prepared from the dried and ground leaves of this plant, used as a cosmetic dye and for coloring leather and fabrics. (noun)
• A moderate or strong reddish brown to strong brown. (noun)
• To dye (hair, for example) with henna. (verb-transitive)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "The term henna tattoo is inaccurate, because tattoos are defined as permanent surgical insertion of pigments underneath the skin, as opposed to pigments resting on the surface."
• "A full-fledged carnival surrounds the Gate, as India's myriad hustling needy animate the place by crying out their wares and attempt to peddle almost everything from peanuts to post cards, crispy pappadoms to cotton candy, hand tattooing in henna, toy bicycles made from single twists of wire, and mechanical birds."
• "Three days before the marriage ceremony henna is applied to the nails of the hands and feet, and also to the palms of the hands, and the hair is cut short over the forehead, something in the style of a "Gainsborough fringe.""