Cyperus

noun

Cy·​pe·​rus

sīˈpirəs,

sə̇ˈ-

: a genus of plants (family Cyperaceae) having the scales of the spikelet 2-ranked, the flowers all perfect, and the spikelets alike see galingale sense 2, nut grass sense 1a, papyrus sense 1, umbrella plant sense 1

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin cyperos, a kind of rush, from Greek kypeiros, probably of Semitic origin; akin to Hebrew kōper, a resin

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!