passionflower
passionflower Lexical Profile
passionflower Game Scores & Validity
• noun
Any of various mostly climbing vines of the genus Passiflora, predominantly native to the tropical Americas, noted for their distinctive, intricate blossoms and, in some species, edible fruit.
"The gardener planted a vibrant purple passionflower along the trellis to attract butterflies and hummingbirds."
The highly complex, showy blossom of this vine, featuring a prominent fringed corona, five stamens, and three stigmas.
"With its alien-like fringed corona, the passionflower remains one of the most structurally fascinating blooms in the botanical garden."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the 17th century as a translation of the modern Latin 'flos passionis'. Spanish Christian missionaries in the Americas named the plant because they believed the intricate structure of its blossom symbolized the physical instruments of the Passion of Jesus Christ (such as the crown of thorns and the nails).
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.