Delphinia

[del-fin-ee-uh]

noun

an ancient Greek festival in honor of Apollo.

Also Del·phine

[del-feen] /dɛlˈfin/. a female given name: from a Greek word meaning “dolphin.”

delphinium

[del-fin-ee-uh m]

noun, plural del·phin·i·ums, del·phin·i·a [del-fin-ee-uh] /dɛlˈfɪn i ə/.

any of numerous plants of the genus Delphinium, especially any of various tall, cultivated species having usually blue, pink, or white flowers.

Compare larkspur.

Origin of delphinium

1655–65; < New Latin < Greek delphī́nion larkspur, derivative of delphī́s (stem delphīn-) dolphin; so called from the shape of the nectary

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for delphinia

Historical Examples of delphinia

Uncrystallised aconitia is sometimes contaminated with delphinia, as well as with aconella, another constituent of aconite root.
Cooley's Cyclopdia of Practical Receipts and Collateral Information in the Arts, Manufactures, Professions, and Trades..., Sixth Edition, Volume I
Arnold Cooley
As such, his commonest name is Delphinius, the “dolphin god,” in whose honour the festival Delphinia was celebrated in Attica.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 2, Slice 2
Various
For external use in neuralgic and rheumatic affections, as a substitute for solution of delphinia.
Cooley's Practical Receipts, Volume II
Arnold Cooley
The sending of the maidens to propitiate the god during the Delphinia commemorates this event in the life of Theseus.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 7, Slice 10
Various

British Dictionary definitions for delphinia

delphinium

noun plural -iums or -ia (-ɪə)

any ranunculaceous plant of the genus Delphinium: many varieties are cultivated as garden plants for their spikes of blue, pink, or white spurred flowersSee also larkspur

Word Origin for delphinium

C17: New Latin, from Greek delphinion larkspur, from delphis dolphin, referring to the shape of the nectary

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