clematis
[klem-uh-tis, kli-mat-is]
- any of numerous plants or woody vines of the genus Clematis, including many species cultivated for their showy, variously colored flowers.
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Compare traveler's-joy, virgin's-bower.
Origin of clematis
1545–55; < Latin < Greek klēmatís name of several climbing plants
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for clematis
Historical Examples
All the way along, Clematis could see the blue mountains in the distance.
ClematisBertha B. Cobb
Clematis listened to every word, and when it was finished she sat down with a sigh.
ClematisBertha B. Cobb
“Take her downstairs now, Clematis,” said Miss Rose, coming in.
ClematisBertha B. Cobb
Jane took in a long breath of the fragrance, and smiled at Clematis.
ClematisBertha B. Cobb
That was all she said before Clematis went to bed, but Clematis cried quietly a long, long time.
ClematisBertha B. Cobb
clematis
- any N temperate ranunculaceous climbing plant or erect shrub of the genus Clematis, having plumelike fruits. Many species are cultivated for their large colourful flowersSee also traveller's joy
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Word Origin
C16: from Latin, from Greek klēmatis climbing plant, brushwood, from klēma twig
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Word Origin and History for clematis
Clematis
n.
plant genus, 1550s, "periwinkle," from Latin Clematis, from Greek klematis, in Dioscorides as the name of a climbing or trailing plant (OED says probably the periwinkle) with long and lithe branches, diminutive of klema "vine-branch, shoot or twig broken off" (for grafting), from klan "to break" (see clastic).
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper