euphorbia

American  

[yoo-fawr-bee-uh] / yuˈfɔr bi ə /

noun

1. any plant of the genus Euphorbia, comprising the spurges.

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euphorbia British  

/ juːˈfɔːbɪə /

noun

1. any plant of the genus Euphorbia, such as the spurges and poinsettia: family Euphorbiaceae

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Etymology

Origin of euphorbia

1350–1400; Middle English euforbia for Latin euphorbea, an African plant named after Euphorbos, a Greek physician

Example Sentences

Euphorbia pulcherrima, adapted well to the southern states, and by the early 1900s, Albert Ecke, a German immigrant dairy farmer and orchardist in Eagle Rock, saw its potential as a cut flower for Christmas bouquets.

From Los Angeles Times

In my home garden, Arum italicum, Euphorbia cyparissus and Ranunculus ficaria, once purchased as desirable perennials, now run roughshod through less competitive plantings.

From Seattle Times

Euphorbia milii is a plant that can be loved but never liked.

From New York Times

“He was the most wonderful, thoughtful, and loving husband, a caring son, a wise brother, a strong friend, a brave veteran, a euphorbia enthusiast, a meticulous lighting technician, and a stickler for safety at work.”

From Los Angeles Times

Ascribed in the 19th century, the Latin name, Euphorbia pulcherrima, means “the most beautiful” of a diverse genus with a milky sap of latex.

From Seattle Times