a-m-a-r-a-n-t-h
AMARANTH refers to both a vibrant flowering plant and a deep reddish-purple color. This ancient grain crop has sustained civilizations for millennia and symbolizes immortality in many cultures.
13
Points in Scrabble
Base tile values • No multipliers applied
AMARANTH encompasses both a remarkable plant genus and the distinctive color it inspired. As a plant, amaranth includes over 60 species of grains and vegetables that have nourished humanity for over 8,000 years. The Aztecs called it "huauhtli" and considered it sacred, using it in religious ceremonies alongside maize and beans.
The amaranth plant produces stunning flower clusters in vibrant shades of red, purple, and gold that never seem to fade—hence its association with immortality. These drooping flower heads, called inflorescences, can grow several feet long and contain thousands of tiny seeds. Each plant can produce up to 60,000 seeds, making amaranth incredibly prolific.
As a color, amaranth describes a rich reddish-purple hue reminiscent of the plant's most common flower color. This shade sits between magenta and purple on the color spectrum, often described as a cooler, more sophisticated alternative to fuchsia. In heraldry and vexillology, amaranth appears on flags and coats of arms as a symbol of immortality and constancy.
Nutritionally, amaranth stands out as a complete protein containing all essential amino acids—rare for a plant-based food. It's naturally gluten-free and packed with minerals like iron, magnesium, and calcium. Modern health food movements have rediscovered amaranth, promoting it as a "superfood" for its exceptional nutritional profile.
In Scrabble and word games, AMARANTH is a valuable 8-letter word worth significant points. The presence of the high-value letter H (4 points) combined with common letters makes it achievable yet rewarding. Strategic players can build off existing words like RANT, MARA, or ANTH to maximize scoring opportunities.
AMARANTH derives from the Greek "amarantos," meaning "unfading" or "immortal." This combines "a-" (not) with "marainein" (to fade or wither), literally translating to "the never-fading flower." The Greeks marveled at how amaranth flowers retained their vibrant color even when dried.
The word entered English through Latin "amarantus" in the early 17th century. Interestingly, the modern spelling with "th" resulted from a false etymology—scholars mistakenly connected it to the Greek word "anthos" (flower), changing the original "amarantus" to "amaranthus" and eventually "amaranth."
In Greek mythology, amaranth was associated with immortality and used to decorate images of gods and tombs. The poet Milton wrote of "immortal amaranth" in Paradise Lost, cementing its literary connection to eternal life. This mythological association influenced the plant's symbolic meaning across cultures.
Various languages adopted the term with similar meanings: Spanish "amaranto," French "amarante," and Italian "amaranto." In each culture, the word retained its connection to both the physical plant and the abstract concept of everlasting beauty, demonstrating the universal human fascination with permanence.
•The Spanish conquistadors banned amaranth cultivation because the Aztecs used it in religious ceremonies, nearly causing this nutritious crop to disappear from history
•Amaranth seeds are so tiny that a single pound contains about 750,000 seeds, yet each seed contains more protein than most cereal grains
•In Scrabble, AMARANTH can be formed from ANTH (relating to flowers) plus AMAR, or built using common suffixes like -ANTH found in botanical terms
"The farmer planted amaranth as a drought-resistant crop that would thrive in the arid climate."
"Ancient varieties of amaranth are being cultivated again for their exceptional nutritional value."
"The designer chose amaranth as the accent color for its rich, unfading quality."
"Her gown was dyed in deep amaranth, creating a striking contrast with the emerald jewelry."
"I played AMARANTH using the existing MAR on the board, earning bonus points for the H on a double letter score!"
Complete protein, gluten-free, high in minerals
Drought-tolerant, fast-growing, heat-loving
Fade-resistant, natural dye source, symbolic
Food, medicine, ceremony, ornamental
Amaranth's story intertwines with human civilization in profound ways. For the Aztecs, it wasn't just food—it was divine sustenance. They mixed amaranth seeds with honey and human blood to create ceremonial figures of their gods, which were then broken apart and consumed in religious rituals. This practice so disturbed Spanish conquistadors that they banned amaranth cultivation entirely, punishable by death.
Despite colonial suppression, amaranth survived in remote regions of Mexico and South America. Indigenous communities secretly maintained their ancestral seeds, preserving not just a crop but cultural identity. Today, amaranth has reclaimed its place as a symbol of indigenous resilience and agricultural biodiversity.
In modern times, amaranth represents the intersection of ancient wisdom and contemporary needs. As climate change threatens food security, this drought-resistant, nutrient-dense crop offers hope. NASA has even studied amaranth for potential cultivation in space, bringing this ancient grain full circle—from sacred food of the gods to sustenance for future space travelers.
Total base points: 13 (Scrabble)
Vowels: 3 | Consonants: 5
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