amsonia

noun

am·​so·​nia
amˈsōnēə,
-nyə
1
capitalized : a genus of herbs (family Apocynaceae) having a milky juice, alternate entire leaves, and showy bluish flowers in terminal cymes, one species (A. tabernaemontana) being common in the southeastern U.S.
2
plural -s : an herb of the genus Amsonia

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, from John Amson, flourished 1738–circa 1764 Virginia physician + New Latin -ia -ia entry 1

First Known Use

1806, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of amsonia was in 1806

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near amsonia

Cite this Entry

“Amsonia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amsonia. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!