ETYM Old Eng. malwe, AS. mealwe, from Latin malva, akin to Greek malache; cf. malassein to soften, malakos soft. Named either from its softening or relaxing properties, or from its soft downy leaves. Related to Mauve, Malachite.
Any of various plants of the family Malvaceae.
Any plant of the family Malvaceae, especially the genus Malva, including the North American rose mallow Hibiscus palustris and the European marsh mallow Althaea officinalis. Most have showy pink or purple flowers. See also hollyhock, cotton, okra, hibiscus.