noun
- plural of barilla; a plant of the genus Salsola, or the alkali obtained from it, historically used in glassmaking and soap production
Usage: historical; technical
Examples
- Medieval glassmakers relied on barillas imported from Spain and the Mediterranean.
- The barillas plant thrives in arid, saline soils.
- Soap manufacturers of the 18th century valued barillas as a key ingredient.
- Barillas were harvested, burned, and processed to extract valuable alkali salts.