euonymus

[ yoo-on-uh-muhs ]

noun

any of several shrubs or small trees of the genus Euonymus, of northern temperate regions, having opposite leaves, branching clusters of small, greenish or purplish flowers, and crimson or rose-colored capsules that on opening disclose the seed.

Origin of euonymus

1760–70; <New Latin; Latin, noun use of Greek euṓnymos of good name. See eu-, -onym, -ous

Also evonymus.

Words that may be confused with euonymus

anomalous, anonymous, euonymus , unanimous

Words Nearby euonymus

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use euonymus in a sentence

Opposite leaves of euonymus, or Spindle-tree, showing the successive pairs crossing each other at right angles.
The Elements of Botany | Asa Gray
Very common in gardens about Wellington: sometimes does much damage to euonymus shrubs and hedges.
An Account of the Insects Noxious to Agriculture and Plants in New Zealand | W. M. Maskell
Mer also was intimate with a heathen philosopher, euonymus of Gadara.
History of the Jews, Vol. II (of 6) | Heinrich Graetz
Affghan plants have nearly ended, Moacurra and euonymus alone continuing.
Journals of Travels in Assam, Burma, Bhootan, Afghanistan and The | William Griffith
Then there is the euonymus, so bright with its glossy green leaves, long a favorite whether for the border or window garden.
Talks about Flowers. | M. D. Wellcome

British Dictionary definitions for euonymus

euonymus

evonymus

/ (juːˈɒnɪməs) /

noun

any tree or shrub of the N temperate genus Euonymus, such as the spindle tree, whose seeds are each enclosed in a fleshy, typically red, aril: family Celastraceae

Origin of euonymus

C18: from Latin: spindle tree, from Greek euōnumos fortunately named, from eu- + onoma name

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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