genista

American  

[juh-nis-tuh] / dʒəˈnɪs tə /

noun

1. any plant belonging to the genus Genista, of the legume family, having showy flowers and including many species of broom.

2. a related plant, Cytisus canariensis, of the Canary Islands, having loose clusters of fragrant yellow flowers.

---

Etymology

Origin of genista

1615–25; < New Latin, Latin: the broomplant

Example Sentences

Just inside of the entrance, one spot was all ablaze with a tiny yellow flower, best known to us as English broom, Cytisus genista.

From Equatorial America Descriptive of a Visit to St. Thomas, Martinique, Barbadoes, and the Principal Capitals of South America by Ballou, Maturin Murray

He noted their extent and formation, and added: 'The genista, however, was especially delightful, covering, as it did with its flowers, the greater part of the plains.

From The Development of the Feeling for Nature in the Middle Ages and Modern Times by Biese, Alfred

To Ethel I will give this lovely genista.

From The Library of Work and Play: Gardening and Farming. by Shaw, Ellen Eddy

The Counts of Anjou used to wear a sprig of broom, or planta genista, in their helmets, and from this they were called the Plantagenet Kings.

From Royal Children of English History by Nesbit, E. (Edith)

The Broom-plant with its seed-pods, in Latin Planta genista, No. 21, gave its name to the Plantagenet Dynasty.

From The Handbook to English Heraldry by Utting, R. B.