agapanthus

[ag-uh-pan-thuh s]

noun, plural ag·a·pan·thus·es.

any of several plants of the genus Agapanthus, of the amaryllis family, native to Africa, having sword-shaped leaves and umbels of blue or white flowers.

Compare lily-of-the-Nile.

Origin of agapanthus

< New Latin (1789) < Greek agáp(ē) love + ánthos flower

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for agapanthus

Historical Examples of agapanthus

Agapanthus will at once respond, and flowers usually follow.
The Mayflower, January, 1905
Various
After flowering they may be treated as are amaryllis or agapanthus.
The Practical Garden-Book
C. E. Hunn
The Agapanthus, being a heavy feeder, should be grown in strong loam to which is added well rotted manure and a little sand.
The Practical Garden-Book
C. E. Hunn
As the Agapanthus is a gross-feeding plant, it should be re-potted annually in autumn, and be wintered in a cool pit or frame.
The Culture of Vegetables and Flowers From Seeds and Roots, 16th Edition
Sutton and Sons
Agapanthus taxes the soil severely, and must have ample nourishment in pots.
The Culture of Vegetables and Flowers From Seeds and Roots, 16th Edition
Sutton and Sons

British Dictionary definitions for agapanthus

agapanthus

noun

a liliaceous plant, Agapanthus africanus, of southern Africa, having rounded clusters of blue or white funnel-shaped flowersAlso called: African lily

Word Origin for agapanthus

C19: New Latin, from Greek agapē love + anthos flower

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012