euonymus

[yoo-on-uh-muhs]

noun

1. 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.

euonymus

/ juːˈɒnɪməs /

noun

1. 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of euonymus¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of euonymus¹

C18: from Latin: spindle tree, from Greek euōnumos fortunately named, from _eu- + onoma _name

Example Sentences

"This is winged euonymus, otherwise known as burning bush. And here is Chinese silver grass. It's a popular ornamental, but the seeds are dispersed by the wind," he said.

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More plants grow in the tree’s crevices: purple blackberry canes, spiky grasses and red-tinged euonymus.

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But Fernie, a small, green space hidden in the middle of the garden, is Folcarelli’s favorite: There, trunks of dead autumn olives are wrapped in chicken wire to support Euonymus vines, creating sinuous, snakelike forms overhead.

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I see lesser celandine choking the wildflowers, and winged euonymus and Japanese honeysuckle crowding out native spicebush.

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There are glossy-leafed euonymus, like E. fortunei ‘Gold Splash’, with leaves patterned in bold green and sun gold.

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