protea
protea Lexical Profile
protea Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The large, complex, and highly distinctive flower head of the protea plant, which is surrounded by stiff, brightly colored bracts and frequently used as a dramatic focal point in floral arrangements.
"The bride requested a striking, unconventional bouquet featuring a massive pink King protea surrounded by silvery native foliage."
A woody shrub or small tree native predominantly to the fynbos region of South Africa, characterized by leathery leaves and adapted to survive in nutrient-poor soils.
"Conservationists are working to protect several endangered species of protea that grow exclusively on the slopes of the Western Cape."
• Rhymes for protea
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in 1735 by Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus. Named after Proteus, the shape-shifting Greek sea god, in reference to the astonishing diversity of forms and shapes found within this plant genus.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.