coleus

[ koh-lee-uhs ]

noun

, plural co·le·us·es.

1. any of several tropical Asian or African plants belonging to the genus Coleus, of the mint family, certain species of which are cultivated for their showy, colored foliage and blue flowers.

coleus

/ ˈkəʊlɪəs /

noun

1. any plant of the Old World genus Coleus: cultivated for their variegated leaves, typically marked with red, yellow, or white: family Lamiaceae (labiates)

Word History and Origins

Origin of coleus¹

1865–70; < New Latin < Greek koleós, variant of koleón sheath, scabbard; akin to conceal, hull ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of coleus¹

C19: from New Latin, from Greek koleos, variant of koleon sheath; from the way in which the stamens are joined

Example Sentences

Give the Coleus about six inches of lee-way, also the Centaurea.

From Project Gutenberg

Among foliage plants such things as coleus, dusty miller, begonia, and some geraniums are adaptable.

From Project Gutenberg

Even iresine (better known as Achyranthes Verschaffeltii) united with coleus and grew for a time.

From Project Gutenberg

A coleus cion was placed upon a tomato plant and was simply bound with raffia.

From Project Gutenberg

A Canna of rich, dark green would make a fine centre plant for a bed in which red Coleus served as a background.

From Project Gutenberg