Main Entry: poin·set·tia

Pronunciation: \pȯin-ˈse-tē-ə, ÷pȯint-, ÷-ˈse-tə\

Function: noun

Etymology: New Latin, from Joel R. Poinsett †1851 American diplomat

Date: 1836

: any of several spurges (genus Euphorbia) with flower clusters subtended by showy involucral bracts; especially : a showy Mexican and Central American plant (E. pulcherrima) with tapering usually scarlet bracts that suggest petals and surround small yellow flowers

[poinsettia illustration]