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Definition of smithiantha
smithiantha
/ˌsmɪθiˈænθə/
smith · i · an · tha
Plural:smithianthas
smithiantha Lexical Profile
CEFR
C2
Grade
12
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
• noun
1
Any plant of the genus Smithiantha in the family Gesneriaceae, native to the tropical regions of Mexico and Guatemala, characterized by brightly colored, velvety heart-shaped leaves and tall spikes of tubular, bell-shaped flowers.
Example
"The horticulturist carefully monitored the humidity in the greenhouse to ensure the fragile smithiantha would thrive and produce its signature bell-shaped blooms."
• Rhymes for smithiantha
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the 19th century to honor Matilda Smith (1854–1926), a renowned botanical artist at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, combined with the Greek botanical suffix '-antha', meaning 'flower'.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Smithiantha. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 12, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/smithiantha