banksia

noun

bank·​sia ˈbaŋ(k)-sē-ə How to pronounce banksia (audio)
: any of a genus (Banksia) of Australian evergreen trees or shrubs of the protea family with alternate leathery leaves and flowers in dense cylindrical heads

Examples of banksia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Walk the tree trail and check out the towering Klinki pine, macadamia, and magnolia trees, then spot brilliant banksias and bold grevilleas in the Native Rockery or travel back in time through the primitive Rainforest Garden boasting rare ferns, palms, and orchids. Yousra Attia, ELLE, 9 June 2023 At least two species of midwater cephalopods — an octopus known as Japetella heathi and the common clubhook squid, Onychoteuthis banksia — take a different approach to countering bioluminescence: by changing colors. Jason P. Dinh, Discover Magazine, 8 Oct. 2022 There’s a coral tree, a banksia, a puka, a Blackwood acacia and three different palms. Steve Rubenstein, SFChronicle.com, 25 May 2020 Unfortunately for the banksia, its roots had apparently led to the formation of cracks in a retaining wall, and one of its two trunks had been cut to the stump. Steve Rubenstein, SFChronicle.com, 25 May 2020 The carpenter bees need the longstanding banksias to carry them through multiple seasons. National Geographic, 17 Jan. 2020 The banksia plant, which the bees use for nests, have burned. Anchorage Daily News, 10 Jan. 2020 Rainbow lorikeets and bright pink galah cockatoos flitted between eucalyptus trees and banksia blossoms that resembled giant yellow and orange candles. Margo Pfeiff, latimes.com, 25 Feb. 2018 Some plants, like banksia, release seeds out of woody capsules when heated, while others, including some orchids, flower after stimulation by a fire. C. Claiborne Ray, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'banksia.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, genus name, from Sir Joseph Banks

First Known Use

1783, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of banksia was in 1783

Dictionary Entries Near banksia

Cite this Entry

“Banksia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/banksia. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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