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physostegia

noun phy·so·ste·gia \ ˌfīsəˈstējēə \

Definition of physostegia

1 capitalized : a genus of North American perennial herbs (family Labiatae) having sessile linear to oblong leaves and showy white, rose, or lavender flowers with an inflated 5-toothed calyx — see false dragonhead
2 plural -s : any plant of the genus Physostegia

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Origin and Etymology of physostegia

New Latin, from phys- + Greek stegē roof + New Latin -ia; akin to Greek stegein to cover, shelter

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