amaryllis
amaryllis Lexical Profile
• noun
The large, showy, trumpet-shaped flower of the amaryllis plant or related plants of the genus Hippeastrum, frequently grown indoors as a winter ornamental.
"The centerpiece of the dining table featured a stunning white amaryllis surrounded by evergreen sprigs."
A bulbous plant native to southern Africa, known for producing clusters of large, spectacular, lily-like flowers on thick, leafless stems.
"She planted an amaryllis bulb in a ceramic pot, hoping it would bloom with bright red flowers in time for the holidays."
Word Nuance & Usage
In common commercial and gardening usage, the bulbs sold as 'amaryllis' for indoor winter blooming actually belong to the South American genus Hippeastrum, whereas the true botanical Amaryllis genus is native to South Africa.
• Rhymes for amaryllis
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Latin 'Amaryllis', derived from Greek 'Amaryllis', the name of a rustic shepherdess frequently featured in the pastoral poetry of Theocritus and Virgil. The Greek name is based on the verb 'amaryssein', meaning 'to sparkle' or 'to shine'.