delphinium

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noun del·phin·i·um \del-ˈfi-nē-əm\

Definition of delphinium

: any of a large genus (Delphinium) of the buttercup family that comprises chiefly perennial erect branching herbs with palmately divided leaves and irregular flowers in showy spikes and includes several that are poisonous — compare larkspur

Recent Examples of delphinium from the Web

Plants especially susceptible to fasciation include ferns, willow trees, delphiniums, foxgloves, forsythia, euphorbias, lilies, primulas and verbascums such as the mullein.

— margaret lauterbach, idahostatesman, "Some non-native weeds flourish in Idaho", 31 May 2017
The borders are a mix of perennials; bulbs; small shrubs; and vines, including allium, clematis, peonies, lilies, delphinium, hosta and poppies.

— valerie easton, The Seattle Times, "A Maury Island hillside garden was a lot of work to create, and it’s a lot of work to tour", 17 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'delphinium'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Illustration of delphinium

Origin and Etymology of delphinium

New Latin, genus name, from Greek delphinion larkspur, diminutive of delphin-, delphis dolphin; probably from the shape of the nectary

First Known Use: 1664

Medical Dictionary

delphinium

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noun del·phin·i·um \del-ˈfin-ē-əm\

Medical Definition of delphinium

1 capitalized : a large genus of the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae) that comprises chiefly perennial herbs with divided leaves and flowers in showy spikes and includes several especially of the western United States that are toxic to grazing animals and especially cattle—see larkspur, stavesacre
2: any plant of the genus Delphinium