clematis

[klem-uh-tis, kli-mat-is]

noun

any of numerous plants or woody vines of the genus Clematis, including many species cultivated for their showy, variously colored flowers.

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. 2019

Examples from the Web for clematis

Historical Examples of clematis

All the way along, Clematis could see the blue mountains in the distance.
Clematis
Bertha B. Cobb
Clematis listened to every word, and when it was finished she sat down with a sigh.
Clematis
Bertha B. Cobb
“Take her downstairs now, Clematis,” said Miss Rose, coming in.
Clematis
Bertha B. Cobb
Jane took in a long breath of the fragrance, and smiled at Clematis.
Clematis
Bertha B. Cobb
That was all she said before Clematis went to bed, but Clematis cried quietly a long, long time.
Clematis
Bertha B. Cobb

British Dictionary definitions for clematis

clematis

noun

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

Word Origin for clematis

C16: from Latin, from Greek klēmatis climbing plant, brushwood, from klēma twig

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

Word Origin and History for clematis

Clematis

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).