helianthus

American  

[hee-lee-an-thuhs] / ˌhi liˈæn θəs /

noun

plural

helianthuses

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

• helianthaceous adjective

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 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.

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

Fond helianthus turned her fervent face, Meek antirrhinum paled and grew apace; Late dandelions, robed in cloth of gold, With golden-rod, upsprung from out the mould, And pensive, gold-eyed daisies pranked the wold.

From Lippincott's Magazine of Popular Literature and Science Volume 12, No. 29, August, 1873 by Various