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Definition of hesperis
hesperis
/ˈhɛs.pər.ɪs/
hes · per · is
hesperis Lexical Profile
CEFR
C2
Grade
11
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
• noun
1
A genus of flowering plants in the mustard family (Brassicaceae), native to Eurasia, characterized by their four-petaled flowers that emit a strong, sweet scent predominantly in the evening, most notably including the species commonly known as dame's rocket.
Example
"The botanist identified the naturalized wildflowers along the forest edge as a species of hesperis, noting their delicate purple blooms and distinctive nocturnal fragrance."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Greek 'hesperis' (meaning 'of the evening'), derived from 'hesperos' (evening), named for the plant's characteristic of emitting its strongest sweet fragrance during the evening and night hours.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.
180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Hesperis. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 14, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/hesperis