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]