ranunculus

noun

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ra·nun·cu·lus | \ rə-ˈnəŋ-kyə-ləs

plural ranunculus or ranunculuses or ranunculi\ rə-ˈnəŋ-kyə-ˌlī

, -ˌlē \

Definition of ranunculus

: any of a large genus (Ranunculus of the family Ranunculaceae, the buttercup family) of chiefly perennial herbaceous plants with tuberous or fibrous roots and typically yellow, five-petaled, cup-shaped flowers and including one (R. asiaticus) of southeastern Europe and southwestern Asia widely cultivated for its white, yellow, pink, red, or orange flowers having multiple layers of petals — see buttercup, lesser celandine

Examples of ranunculus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web But a 200-foot-long, 35-foot-wide strip has been cleared amid the ranunculus for 22 tables. — Diane Bellcolumnist, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Apr. 2022 The Giant Tecolote ranunculus is easy to grow, and the tuberous roots come in brilliant colors. — San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Mar. 2022 Ideally, pick the area that will give your ranunculus plants the most sun in the afternoon. — San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Mar. 2022 Thanks to Michael Collins, rows of ranunculus, poppies, and peonies spilled across the table. — Ian Malone, Vogue, 11 Feb. 2022 Blow up your Instagram with photos of row upon row of vibrant red, pink and yellow giant Tecolote ranunculus, a showy flower native to Asia. — Mary Forgione, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2022 Our flowers were by my lovely friend Rachael Barker, who created the most exquisite bouquets for me and my maids of honor, and filled both venues with dahlias, Italian anemones, parrot tulips, Icelandic poppies, ranunculus, and English garden roses. — Ellie Robertson, Vogue, 22 Dec. 2021 The ranunculus typically reach peak bloom in April though the exact dates fluctuate from year to year. — Jessica Poitevien, Travel + Leisure, 11 Jan. 2022 The tables were adorned with white lisianthuses, ranunculus, phalaenopsis orchids, roses, and greenery, all placed on runners. — Elise Taylor, Vogue, 14 Dec. 2021 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ranunculus.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.