Search Dictionary
Definition of lupinus

lupinus

/luːˈpaɪ.nəs/
Lu · pi · nus
Plural:lupinuses
•
Adjective:lupine
JUMP TO:

lupinus Lexical Profile

• noun

1

A large genus of herbaceous plants and shrubs in the legume family (Fabaceae), commonly known as lupines or lupins, native primarily to North and South America and the Mediterranean region, prized for their palmately compound leaves and tall, showy terminal spikes of pea-like flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, yellow, or white.

Synonyms
View all synonyms for lupinus

• Rhymes for lupinus

• Nearby Words

lupin bean
lupin beans
lupine
lupinus
lupus
lurch
lure

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Latin lupīnus ('wolfish, pertaining to a wolf'), from lupus ('wolf'), referencing the ancient misconception that the plant 'ravaged' or depleted the fertility of the soil in which it grew (whereas in reality its root nodules enrich poor soil by fixing nitrogen).

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Lupinus. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/lupinus
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.