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Definition of penstemon

penstemon

/ˈpɛnstɪmən/
pen · ste · mon
Plural:penstemons
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penstemon Lexical Profile

penstemon Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Any of a large genus (Penstemon) of herbaceous perennials and subshrubs in the plantain family (Plantaginaceae), native primarily to North America and cultivated for their tall spikes of showy, tubular, two-lipped flowers in shades of red, pink, purple, blue, or white.

Example

"The drought-tolerant garden border was planted with scarlet penstemon to attract hummingbirds throughout the summer."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for penstemon

• Nearby Words

pensive
pensively
pensiveness
penstemon
pent
pentagon
pentagonal

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in Modern Latin from Ancient Greek 'pente' (five) and 'stemon' (stamen or thread), referring to the distinctive fifth sterile stamen that is often bearded or hairy.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Penstemon. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/penstemon
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