gloxinia

noun

glox·​in·​ia gläk-ˈsi-nē-ə How to pronounce gloxinia (audio)
1
: a Brazilian plant (Sinningia speciosa synonym Gloxinia speciosa) widely cultivated for its bell-shaped or slipper-shaped flowers
2
: any of a genus (Gloxinia) of tuberous herbaceous gesneriads found from Mexico to Argentina in which gloxinia was formerly placed

Illustration of gloxinia

Illustration of gloxinia

Examples of gloxinia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Colorful African violets, gloxinia, cyclamen, orchids, ornamental peppers and Christmas cactus are blooming and readily available. oregonlive, 21 Dec. 2019 Don’t be concerned if gloxinia or cyclamen die down after blooming. oregonlive, 21 Dec. 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'gloxinia.' 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 B. P. Gloxin 18th century German botanist

First Known Use

circa 1820, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of gloxinia was circa 1820

Dictionary Entries Near gloxinia

Cite this Entry

“Gloxinia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gloxinia. Accessed 16 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

gloxinia

noun
glox·​in·​ia gläk-ˈsin-ē-ə How to pronounce gloxinia (audio)
: any of a genus of herbs related to the African violets
especially : one from Brazil often grown for its showy bell-shaped or slipper-shaped flowers

More from Merriam-Webster on gloxinia

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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