delphinium

[ del-fin-ee-uhm ]

noun

, plural del·phin·i·ums, del·phin·i·a [del-, fin, -ee-, uh].

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

delphinium

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of delphinium¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of delphinium¹

C17: New Latin, from Greek delphinion larkspur, from delphis dolphin , referring to the shape of the nectary

Example Sentences

On either side of the Delphinium have clumps of about a dozen Lilium candidum, which bloom at the same time.

From Project Gutenberg

Good-sized roots of the Delphinium formosum, lovely dark blue, are a dollar and twenty-five cents a dozen.

From Project Gutenberg

There is a horrid small white worm which attacks the roots of the Delphinium, and gives no sign until you see the plant dying.

From Project Gutenberg

As I have said before, the Delphinium blossoms at the same time as Lilium candidum, and should be planted near by.

From Project Gutenberg

As the lilies faded and the delphinium grew old and went to seed, the old stalks were cut away.

From Project Gutenberg