scabiosa

noun

sca·​bi·​o·​sa

ˌskābēˈōsə,

ˌskab-

1

capitalized : a large genus of Old World herbs (family Dipsacaceae) having terminal heads of flowers subtended by a leafy involucre and flowers with a 5-cleft often bilabiate corolla and four stamens

2

plural -s : any plant of the genus Scabiosa

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Medieval Latin, scabious

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now