Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Petrea

noun Pe·trea \ ˈpē‧trēə \

Definition of Petrea

: a genus of tropical American woody vines (family Verbenaceae) having large blue or purple flowers in long racemes with the colored sepals enlarging in fruiting — see purple wreath

There's more!

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!
Already a subscriber? Log in.

Origin and Etymology of petrea

New Latin, from Robert James, Baron Petre †1743 English patron of botany

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up Petrea? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games