royal water lily

noun

1
: a South American water lily (Victoria amazonia) with large circular leaves

called also Amazon water lily, giant water lily

2
: a lily (Victoria cruziana) of Paraguay that is closely related to the royal water lily for which it is often substituted in the horticultural trade and has flowers which turn pinkish red

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1849, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of royal water lily was circa 1849

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Cite this Entry

“Royal water lily.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/royal%20water%20lily. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024.

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