The spelling of the word "canna" may cause some confusion as it only has one "n" and ends with two vowels. However, the IPA phonetic transcription explains it clearly: /ˈkænə/. The word has a short "a" sound followed by a nasal consonant "n" and then an unstressed schwa sound. This emphasizes the pronunciation of the first syllable "can" which is stressed, instead of the second syllable "na". "Canna" is a type of plant that is often used for its colorful flowers.
Canna is a noun that has multiple meanings and origins. First and foremost, it refers to a genus of perennial plants in the family Cannaceae. These plants are native to tropical and subtropical regions and are often grown for their large, attractive foliage and vibrant flowers. Canna plants feature erect stems and banana-like leaves, and they produce showy flowers in various colors, including shades of red, orange, yellow, and pink. Due to their ornamental value, cannas are commonly cultivated in gardens or used as decorative plants in landscapes.
The term "canna" also has alternative meanings. In North America, particularly in the United States, "canna" is a colloquial shortening of the word "cannabis." This refers to the plant species Cannabis sativa, known for its psychoactive properties. In this context, "canna" is often used as a more informal or slang term for marijuana or hemp.
Furthermore, "canna" is sometimes used as an abbreviated form of the word "cannabidiol," which is one of the many chemical compounds found in cannabis. Cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD, has gained popularity for its potential therapeutic benefits and has been the subject of various research studies.
In summary, "canna" primarily refers to a genus of tropical plants known for their attractive foliage and flowers. However, it can also be used as a shorthand term for cannabis, specifically cannabis sativa, or as an abbreviation for cannabidiol (CBD).
One of the bones of the leg, either c. major, tibia, or c. minor, fibula.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "canna" has its origin in Latin. It comes from the Latin word "canna" which means "reed" or "cane". This Latin term was borrowed from the Greek word "kanna". The Greek word, in turn, is believed to have been borrowed from a Semitic language, potentially either Babylonian or Assyrian. The exact path of its etymology beyond this point is uncertain.