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babiana

noun bab·i·a·na \ ˌbabēˈanə , -ˈä- , -ˈȧ- also -ˈā- \

Definition of babiana

1 capitalized :a genus of bulbous herbs (family Iridaceae) having showy red or yellow spicate flowers
2 plural -s :a plant of the genus Babiana

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Origin and Etymology of babiana

New Latin, from Dutch babianer, from obsolete Dutch babiaen baboon (now baviaan), from Middle French babouin baboon; from the fact that its stems are eaten by baboons

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