Search Dictionary
Definition of mesembryanthemum
mesembryanthemum
/mɪˌzɛm.bɹiˈæn.θə.məm/
mes · em · bry · an · the · mum
Plural:mesembryanthemums
mesembryanthemum Lexical Profile
CEFR
C2
Grade
13
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
• noun
1
A succulent plant of the genus Mesembryanthemum, native primarily to southern Africa, characterized by fleshy, water-retaining leaves and bright, daisy-like flowers that typically open in the midday sun.
Example
"The botanist carefully documented the drought-resistant traits of the mesembryanthemum flourishing in the arid rock garden."
• Rhymes for mesembryanthemum
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in Modern Latin from the Greek words 'mesēmbria' (midday) and 'anthemon' (flower), referring to the characteristic of the plant's flowers to open fully only in bright midday sunlight.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Mesembryanthemum. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 12, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/mesembryanthemum