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dieffenbachia

[dee-fuhn-bak-ee-uh, -bah-kee-uh]

noun

  1. any of various plants belonging to the genus Dieffenbachia, of the arum family, native to tropical America, often cultivated as houseplants for their decorative foliage.



dieffenbachia

/ ˌdiːfənˈbækɪə /

noun

  1. any plant of the tropical American evergreen perennial genus Dieffenbachia, some species of which are grown as pot plants for their handsome variegated foliage. The plants are poisonous and the sap is extremely acrid: family Araceae

“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
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Word History and Origins

Origin of dieffenbachia1

< New Latin (1829), named after Ernst Dieffenbach (1811–55), German naturalist; -ia
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Word History and Origins

Origin of dieffenbachia1

named after Ernst Dieffenbach (died 1855), German horticulturist
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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Shown here, it’s paired with an 8-inch Dieffenbachia ‘Tropic Snow’ plant from Creature’s Plants & Coffee.

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A potted Dieffenbachia rests on a chipped Craftsman toolbox, a nod to the Durans’ love for cars.

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In this video, @theflyplantmama is going to show you how to prune the dead parts of a dieffenbachia plant that is no longer providing the life and nutrients that it needs to thrive.

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In this video, @fly_plant_mama is going to show you how to prune the dead parts of a Dieffenbachia plant that is no longer providing the life and nutrients that it needs to thrive.

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Dumb cane, or Dieffenbachia maculata or seguine, is beloved for its highly decorative leaves tinged with yellow, cream and white.

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DiefenbakerFledermaus, Die