nymphaea

1 of 2

noun

nym·​phaea
nimˈfēə
1
capitalized : the type genus of the family Nymphaeaceae including numerous typical water lilies with sometimes fragrant flowers that have four green sepals and numerous petals which are as large as the sepals in the outer whorls and diminish centrally to the size and appearance of stamens and occur in white, pink to red, blue, and yellow in various members of the genus
2
plural -s : any plant of the genus Nymphaea

Nymphaea

2 of 2
"

taxonomic synonym of nuphar

Word History

Etymology

Noun

New Latin, from Latin, water lily, from Greek nymphaia; akin to Greek nymphē bride, nymph

New Latin, from Latin, water lily

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near nymphaea

nympha

nymphaea

Nymphaea

Cite this Entry

“Nymphaea.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nymphaea. Accessed 28 Apr. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on nymphaea

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!