poinsettia

noun

poin·​set·​tia pȯin-ˈse-tē-ə 

 nonstandard  pȯint-,

nonstandard

-ˈse-tə 

: any of several spurges (genus Euphorbia) with flower clusters subtended by showy involucral bracts

especially : a showy Mexican and Central American plant (E. pulcherrima) with tapering usually scarlet bracts that suggest petals and surround small yellow flowers

Illustration of poinsettia

Examples of poinsettia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Vibrant poinsettias brighten mantles and dining tables. —Nina Foster, JSTOR Daily, 20 Dec. 2024

This particular pink poinsettia variety is called the J’adore poinsettia. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Dec. 2024

On one side of the chain link fence ringing the county cemetery, the brilliant red of tinsel and fresh poinsettias adorning Evergreen graves stood out against the gray stone and sky. —Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 15 Dec. 2024

Due to this story, poinsettias became a traditional Christmas plant. —Jackie Nance-Sons, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Joel R. Poinsett †1851 American diplomat

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

poinsettia

noun

poin·​set·​tia pȯin-ˈset-ē-ə  -ˈset-ə 

: a showy Mexican and Central American plant with large scarlet bracts that grow like petals about its small yellow flowers