helianthus

[ hee-lee-an-thuhs ]

noun

, plural he·li·an·thus·es.

1. any composite plant of the genus Helianthus, comprising the sunflowers.

helianthus

/ ˌhiːlɪˈænθəs /

noun

1. any plant of the genus Helianthus, such as the sunflower and Jerusalem artichoke, typically having large yellow daisy-like flowers with yellow, brown, or purple centres: family Asteraceae (composites)

Other Words From

• he·li·an·tha·ceous [hee-lee-, uh, n-, they, -sh, uh, s], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of helianthus¹

From New Latin, dating back to 1770–80; heli- ¹, -anthous

Word History and Origins

Origin of helianthus¹

C18: New Latin, from Greek hēlios sun + anthos flower

Example Sentences

The Sunflower, Helianthus, is supposed to emit gases that destroy miasma.

From Project Gutenberg

So we never met, though she wrote me much about herself and about "Helianthus," which was printed after her death.

From Project Gutenberg

It was early in December, but we found Helianthus ten to twelve feet high in bloom everywhere in the cañons.

From Project Gutenberg

Several species of Helianthus have a tendency to produce similar fleshy tubers at the top of the roots.

From Project Gutenberg

If it was a bee, we should find some of his companions roaming about among the blossoms of the helianthus.

From Project Gutenberg