Gomphocarpus

noun

Gom·​pho·​car·​pus

ˌgäm(p)fōˈkärpəs

: a large genus of herbs and shrubs (family Asclepiadaceae) of southern Africa having showy flowers with corolla hoods that lack appendages

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek gomphos tooth, peg, bolt, bond + New Latin -carpus

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!