dieffenbachia
noun
dief·fen·bach·ia
ˌdē-fən-ˈba-kē-ə 
ˌdi-,
-ˈbä-
: any of a genus (Dieffenbachia) of erect poisonous tropical American plants of the arum family having usually variegated leaves and often grown as houseplants
Examples of dieffenbachia in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The dieffenbachia plant is proof that developing a green thumb can fit comfortably within your busy, always-on-the-go lifestyle.
—
Monique Valeris, ELLE Decor, 3 May 2022
Many common indoor houseplants, including pothos and dieffenbachia, contain calcium oxalate crystals that can cause mouth pain and stomach upset.
—Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2020
Monique Valeris, ELLE Decor, 3 May 2022
Many common indoor houseplants, including pothos and dieffenbachia, contain calcium oxalate crystals that can cause mouth pain and stomach upset.
—Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2020
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dieffenbachia.' 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, from Ernst Dieffenbach †1855 German naturalist
First Known Use
circa 1900, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near dieffenbachia
Cite this Entry
“Dieffenbachia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dieffenbachia. Accessed 3 Dec. 2023.
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