soap plant
noun
a Californian plant, Chlorogalum pomeridianum, of the lily family, the bulb of which was used by the Indians as a soap.
any of various other plants having parts that can be used as a soap.
Origin of soap plant
An Americanism dating back to 1835–45
Words nearby soap plant
soap bubble,
soap dish,
soap flakes,
soap opera,
soap pad,
soap plant,
soap powder,
soapbark,
soapberry,
soapberry family,
soapbox
Example sentences from the Web for soap plant
This is not the only plant popularly known as soap-plant among us.
The Wild Flowers of California: Their Names, Haunts, and Habits |Mary Elizabeth ParsonsThe leaves of the soap-plant have been with us all the spring, increasing in length as the season has advanced.
The Wild Flowers of California: Their Names, Haunts, and Habits |Mary Elizabeth ParsonsThe "soap-plant" (amole) is one which appears to be among the most serviceable.
What I Saw in California |Edwin BryantThere was a stir in the soap-plant outside and Marvin emerged, hurried around to the door, and entered the cabin.
Lightnin' |Frank Bacon