azalea

[ uh-zeyl-yuh ]

noun
  1. any of numerous shrubs belonging to a particular group (Azalea) of the genus Rhododendron, of the heath family, comprising species with handsome flower clusters of various colors, some of which are familiar in cultivation: the group was formerly the botanical genus Azalea but is now a horticultural classification.

Origin of azalea

1
1750–60; <New Latin <Greek azaléa, noun use of feminine of azaléos dry; so named because it grows in dry soil

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British Dictionary definitions for azalea

azalea

/ (əˈzeɪljə) /


noun
  1. any ericaceous plant of the group Azalea, formerly a separate genus but now included in the genus Rhododendron: cultivated for their showy pink or purple flowers

Origin of azalea

1
C18: via New Latin from Greek, from azaleos dry; from its supposed preference for a dry situation

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