Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

cernuous

[surn-yoo-uh s, sur-noo-]
See more synonyms for cernuous on Thesaurus.com
adjective Botany.
  1. drooping, as a flower; nodding.
Show More

Origin of cernuous

1645–55; < Latin cernuus falling forwards, face down; see -ous
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for cernuous

Historical Examples

  • The stipe is usually white above, fuscous below, at the apex almost evanescent; hence the cernuous sporangia.

    The North American Slime-Moulds

    Thomas H. (Thomas Huston) MacBride

British Dictionary definitions for cernuous

cernuous

adjective
  1. botany (of some flowers or buds) drooping
Show More

Word Origin

C17: from Latin cernuus leaning forwards, of obscure origin
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