helianthus

American  

[hee-lee-an-thuhs] / ˌhi liˈæn θəs /

noun

helianthuses plural

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

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helianthus British  

/ 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)

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• helianthaceous
  adjective

Inflected Forms

noun

• helianthuses
  plural

Etymology

Origin of helianthus

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

Example Sentences

Sprays of helianthus dripped yellow pollen along the front gate.

From Washington Post • Sep. 3, 2021

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.

From Washington Post • Apr. 27, 2021

The helianthus bowed its golden head, as if weeping at the absence of its god; and the cereus spread its bell-shaped blossom, joying in the more mellow light of the moon.

From The Rifle Rangers by Reid, Mayne

This last is a species of the helianthus, or sunflower genus of the Syngenesia frustranea class of plants.

From Gryll Grange by Peacock, Thomas Love

The tall stalks of the helianthus bend and rise in long undulations, like billows on a golden sea.

From The Scalp Hunters by Stewart, F.A.