n. [ F. cive, fr. L. cepa, caepa, onion. Cf. Cives, Cibol. ] (Bot.) A perennial plant (Allium Schoenoprasum), allied to the onion, having hollow cylindrical leaves used for seasoning. The young leaves are used in omelets, etc. [ Written also cive. ] Syn. --chive, cive, schnittlaugh, Allium schoenoprasum. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. the bulbous herb Allium Schoenoprasum used fresh as a mild onion-flavored seasoning. [ WordNet 1.5 ]