AMARANTH

Noun8 lettersValid in our Scrabble word list
Unscramble AMARANTH

Quick definition

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.

Is AMARANTH a valid Scrabble word?

Yes. AMARANTH is in the Scrabble-style word list used by our tools and scores 13 points in Scrabble, 14 in Words With Friends and 13 in Wordfeud (base tile values, no board multipliers). Always check the dictionary your game uses (NWL, Collins or the WWF list) before playing.

LetterAMARANTHTotal
Scrabble1311111413
Words With Friends1411121314
Wordfeud1311111413

Definition and meaning

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.

AMARANTH in a sentence

  • 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.

Origin

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.

Anagrams, hooks and words inside AMARANTH

Anagrams: no other word uses exactly the letters of AMARANTH.

Hooks: no front hooks; back AMARANTHS.

Words inside AMARANTH: 63 shorter words can be made from these letters – highest scoring: THARMAMAHHARMMARANTAMATHAMARNAARHATATAMANHAMMANTRATARAMAATMAN. See all words from AMARANTH.

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