gardenia

[gahr-dee-nyuh, -nee-uh]

noun

1. any evergreen tree or shrub belonging to the genus Gardenia, of the madder family, native to the warmer parts of the Eastern Hemisphere, cultivated for its usually large, fragrant white flowers.

2. the flower of any of these plants.

gardenia

/ ɡɑːˈdiːnɪə /

noun

1. any evergreen shrub or tree of the Old World tropical rubiaceous genus Gardenia, cultivated for their large fragrant waxlike typically white flowers

2. the flower of any of these shrubs

Word History and Origins

Origin of gardenia¹

< New Latin (1760), after Alexander Garden (1730–91), American physician; -ia

Word History and Origins

Origin of gardenia¹

C18: New Latin, named after Dr Alexander Garden (1730–91), American botanist

Example Sentences

The FDA is instead encouraging the use of so-called natural food dyes such as gardenia blue and calcium phosphate.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Busy gardeners should look for low-maintenance plants like ZZ plants, Chinese evergreens, pothos and philodendrons, while others may choose ferns, peace lilies, baby tears and gardenias that require a bit more attention and care.

Read more on Seattle Times

And a genipin-derived blue from gardenia fruits that has long been used in parts of Asia could soon enter the U.S. and international markets, too.

Read more on Science Magazine

Coca-Cola is a perfect fertilizer for gardenias, azaleas and grass.

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My parents smell like a mixture of gardenias and embalming fluid, even in the evenings after their showers.

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