The Collaborative International Dictionary
Mallow \Mal"low\, Mallows \Mal"lows\, n. [OE. malwe, AS. mealwe, fr. L. malva, akin to Gr. mala`chh; cf. mala`ssein to soften, malako`s soft. Named either from its softening or relaxing properties, or from its soft downy leaves. Cf. Mauve, Malachite.] (Bot.) A genus of plants ( Malva) having mucilaginous qualities. See Malvaceous.
Note: The flowers of the common mallow ( Malva sylvestris) are used in medicine. The dwarf mallow ( Malva rotundifolia) is a common weed, and its flattened, dick-shaped fruits are called cheeses by children. Tree mallow ( Malva Mauritiana and Lavatera arborea), musk mallow ( Malva moschata), rose mallow or hollyhock, and curled mallow ( Malva crispa), are less commonly seen.
Indian mallow. See Abutilon.
Jew's mallow, a plant ( Corchorus olitorius) used as a pot herb by the Jews of Egypt and Syria.
Marsh mallow. See under Marsh.