delphinium

American  

[del-fin-ee-uhm] / dɛlˈfɪn i əm /

noun

plural

delphiniums, delphinia

1. any of numerous plants of the genus Delphinium, especially any of various tall, cultivated species having usually blue, pink, or white flowers.

---

delphinium British  

/ dɛlˈfɪnɪəm /

noun

1. any ranunculaceous plant of the genus Delphinium: many varieties are cultivated as garden plants for their spikes of blue, pink, or white spurred flowers See also larkspur

---

Usage

What does delphinium mean? A delphinium is a tall plant with blue, purple, pink, or white flowers. The flower itself is also commonly called a delphinium.The plural is delphiniums or delphinia.The genus Delphinium includes more than 300 species, and any of these can be referred to as a delphinium. Another name for the delphinium is larkspur (though not all flowers referred to as larkspurs are in the genus Delphinium). Delphiniums are part of the family Ranunculaceae.Delphinium is one of the July birth flowers (a flower that’s associated with a particular month in the same way as a birthstone). The blue variety is popular in bouquets.Example: I planted delphiniums behind the rose bush to give it a nice backdrop.

Etymology

Origin of delphinium

1655–65; < New Latin < Greek delphī́nion larkspur, derivative of delphī́s (stem delphīn- ) dolphin; so called from the shape of the nectary

Example Sentences

Photos show the couple surrounded by roses, anemones, delphiniums and hydrangeas which appear to be set up in woodland with strategically placed urns and an archway, wedding florist Nicola Paul told the BBC.

From BBC

It’s not uncommon for cabbage, kale and blueberries to dot flower beds filled with peonies, delphiniums, roselilies and beyond.

From Seattle Times

“I see your eyes in the delphinium, too,” she sings, as beauty blooms all around her.

From New York Times

Only the gardener knows the cutworms are winning, or that those billowing cosmos fill in the bare space where the delphinium died.

From Seattle Times

Tables will be festooned with pink roses, Australian eucalyptus, dahlias and delphiniums.

From Washington Times