buphthalmum
buphthalmum Lexical Profile
• noun
Any plant of the genus Buphthalmum in the aster family (Asteraceae), native to Europe and western Asia, characterized by prominent yellow, daisy-like flower heads.
"The horticulturist decided to plant buphthalmum along the garden's border to provide a vibrant, drought-resistant splash of yellow."
An abnormal enlargement of the eyeball usually caused by congenital glaucoma in infancy.
"The pediatric ophthalmologist noted the child's enlarged corneas, confirming a diagnosis of buphthalmum."
Word Nuance & Usage
The word has two starkly different applications: in botany, it refers to a genus of yellow daisies (ox-eye), whereas in medicine, it is occasionally used as a variant spelling of 'buphthalmos' (a severe enlargement of the eye).
Word Origin & Etymology
From Modern Latin, derived from the Greek 'bous' (ox) and 'ophthalmos' (eye), literally meaning 'ox-eye'. In botany, it describes the large center of the daisy, while in medicine it describes the appearance of an abnormally enlarged eye.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.