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Definition of astilbe

astilbe

/əˈstɪlbi/
as · til · be
Plural:astilbes
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astilbe Lexical Profile

• noun

1

Any rhizomatous perennial herbaceous plant of the genus Astilbe (family Saxifragaceae), native to mountain ravines and woodlands in Asia and North America, widely cultivated in shaded gardens for its fern-like foliage and feathery, plume-like clusters of tiny white, pink, red, or purple flowers.

Example

"The shaded border along the garden wall was brightened by clumps of pink astilbe and hostas."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for astilbe

• Rhymes for astilbe

• Nearby Words

asthmatically
astigmatic
astigmatism
astilbe
astilboides
astir
astonish

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in Modern Latin from Ancient Greek 'a-' (meaning 'without') and 'stilbe' (meaning 'brilliance' or 'sheen'), referring to the comparatively dull leaves and tiny individual petals of the original species described by Scottish botanist David Don.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Astilbe. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/astilbe
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