lychnis

noun

lych·​nis ˈlik-nəs How to pronounce lychnis (audio)
: any of a genus (Lychnis) of north-temperate zone herbs of the pink family with terminal cymes of showy mostly red or white flowers having five or rarely four styles

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, a red flower, from Greek; akin to Greek lychnos lamp, Latin lux light — more at light

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lychnis was in 1601

Dictionary Entries Near lychnis

Cite this Entry

“Lychnis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lychnis. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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