Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
×

hippeastrum

noun hip·pe·as·trum \ ˌhipēˈastrəm \

Definition of hippeastrum

1 capitalized : a genus of tropical American bulbous plants (family Amaryllidaceae) that are widely cultivated for their showy white to crimson flowers and that are sometimes included in the genus Amaryllis
2 plural -s : any amaryllis of the genus Hippeastrum

There's more!

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!
Already a subscriber? Log in.

Origin and Etymology of hippeastrum

New Latin, from Greek hippeus horseman (from hippos) + astron star; from the equitant leaves and the star-shaped flowers

Seen and Heard

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

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

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