sempervivum

noun

sem·​per·​vi·​vum ˌsem-pər-ˈvī-vəm How to pronounce sempervivum (audio)
: any of a genus (Sempervivum) of Old World fleshy perennial herbs of the orpine family often grown as ornamentals

Examples of sempervivum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web One way to reduce watering needs is to plant succulents such as agaves, sempervivum and sedums. Washington Post, 17 May 2021 Hens-and-Chicks - sempervivum tectorum Stonecrop - sedum spp. Evan Hecht, USA TODAY, 17 Aug. 2022 The nursery grows more than 200 varieties just of cold-tolerant sempervivum (commonly known as hen and chicks). Debbie Arrington, sacbee, 15 Dec. 2017 Familiar examples include hens-and-chicks (echeverias and sempervivums), aeoniums, and the jade tree (Crassula ovata). Brian Kemble, The Mercury News, 18 Jan. 2017 Sempervivums are among the easiest succulents to grow. Debbie Arrington, sacbee.com, 19 May 2017 Beginners who live in climates that experience cold weather should opt for cold hearty plants like sempervivum succulents, which include Houseleeks and Common Houseleeks, or sedums like Glowing Fire and White Stonecrops. Jessica Mattern, Country Living, 24 May 2017 For beginners, Allen recommends echeverias and sempervivums. Debbie Arrington, sacbee.com, 19 May 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sempervivum.' 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 Latin, neuter of sempervivus ever-living, from semper ever + vivus living — more at quick entry 1

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sempervivum was in 1591

Dictionary Entries Near sempervivum

Cite this Entry

“Sempervivum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sempervivum. Accessed 4 Oct. 2024.

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