helianthus

[hee-lee-an-thuhs]

noun

plural

helianthuses 

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 Word Forms

• helianthaceous 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

Sprays of helianthus dripped yellow pollen along the front gate.

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Another gap can be plugged in late summer with the planting of the helianthus species — the hardy, perennial cousins of the giant sunflower and the wood aster.

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This valley has magnificent pasturage, hay not yet "sun cured," long grass, and abundant clover and vetches brightened by a profuse growth of a small helianthus.

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So the tiger-lily and the columbine must be sought in the mountains, the rose and sweetbrier on low ground, the night-shades and the helianthus in the timbered cañons and gulches.

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One was soon discovered nestling upon the blossom of a helianthus.

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