Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

columnea

noun
co·​lum·​nea | \ kəˈləmnēə\

Definition of columnea

1 capitalized : a genus of tropical American evergreen herbs or subshrubs (family Gesneriaceae) that are often creeping or climbing, have thick opposite hairy leaves frequently unequal and somewhat toothed, produce axillary solitary or clustered yellow to scarlet flowers, and include several forms cultivated for their flowers and ornamental foliage
2 plural -s : any plant of the genus Columnea

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!

History and Etymology for columnea

New Latin, after Fabio Colonna (Latinized as Columna) †about 1640 Italian scholar

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about columnea

Statistics for columnea

Look-up Popularity

Comments on columnea

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

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

canker

Listen to the pronounciation of canker

to corrupt or become corrupted

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

A Green Quiz

  • shamrock
  • What is the best definition of green-eyed monster?
Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ
SCRABBLE® Sprint

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

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