cyclamen

American  

[sahy-kluh-muhn, -men, sik-luh-] / ˈsaɪ klə mən, -ˌmɛn, ˈsɪk lə- /

noun

1. any low-growing plant of the genus Cyclamen, belonging to the primrose family, having tuberous rootstocks and nodding white, purple, pink, or crimson flowers with reflexed petals.

---

cyclamen British  

/ ˈsɪkləmən, -ˌmɛn /

noun

1. any Old World plant of the primulaceous genus Cyclamen, having nodding white, pink, or red flowers, with reflexed petals See also sowbread

---

adjective

1. of a dark reddish-purple colour

Etymology

Origin of cyclamen

1540–50; < New Latin, Medieval Latin < Greek kyklámīnos bulbous plant, akin to kýklos cycle

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

cyclamen

Samnite bronze head, a rare Waldesian Evangelical community and an ancient annual pageant with pagan roots that venerates a circular cane garlanded in wild cyclamen flowers.

From New York Times ● Jan. 22, 2024

The kidney-shaped leaves of cyclamen flowers — white, pink or lavender — have popped up between raised crypts.

From New York Times ● Dec. 28, 2022

African violets, tulips, orchids, hyacinths and cyclamen are affordable alternatives that will outlast fresh flowers, which often fade after a few days.

From Washington Post ● Feb. 2, 2022

This month, you’ll find a precocious spring display filled with forced bulbs, florist azaleas, cyclamen and other cool-season flowers.

From Seattle Times ● Jan. 15, 2022

White primroses huddled beneath the trees, and cyclamen with their green and silver leaves were scattered among the hedges and outcroppings of rocks like strange cups of snow.

From "The Reader" by Traci Chee

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---