African violet

noun

: any of several tropical African gesneriads (especially Saintpaulia ionantha) widely grown as houseplants for their velvety fleshy leaves and showy purple, pink, or white flowers

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1897, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of African violet was circa 1897

Dictionary Entries Near African violet

African valerian

African violet

African walnut

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“African violet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/African%20violet. Accessed 1 Feb. 2023.

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Kids Definition

African violet

noun
: a tropical African plant widely grown as a houseplant for its velvety fleshy leaves and showy purple, pink, or white flowers
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