euonymus

noun

eu·​on·​y·​mus yü-ˈä-nə-məs 

: spindle tree

Examples of euonymus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Purple wintercreeper euonymus is deep green in summer, turning a handsome shade of maroon during the winter. — Neil Sperry, San Antonio Express-News, 11 Mar. 2022

There are several cultivars of evergreen euonymus. — Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Dec. 2025

See this article for more information on identifying and managing euonymus diseases. — oregonlive, 6 Nov. 2022

So what's wrong with golden euonymus (Euonymus japonicus 'Aureomarginatus')? — Steve Bender, Southern Living, 10 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, genus name, from Latin euonymos spindle tree, from Greek euōnymos, from euōnymos having an auspicious name, from eu- + onyma name — more at name

First Known Use

1736, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for euonymus

• pseudonymous
• elymus
• maximus
• epididymis
• grimace

Medical Definition

euonymus

noun

eu·​on·​y·​mus yü-ˈän-ə-məs 

1

a

capitalized : a genus (family Celastraceae) of often evergreen shrubs, small trees, or vines

b

: any member of the genus Euonymus

2

: the dried bark of the root of a shrub of the genus Euonymus (E. atropurpureus) used as a cathartic