hibiscus

[hahy-bis-kuhs, hi-]

noun

plural

hibiscuses 

1. Also called China rose. a woody plant, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, of the mallow family, having large, showy flowers: the state flower of Hawaii.

2. any of numerous other plants, shrubs, or trees of the genus Hibiscus, characterized by lobate or dentate leaves and usually profusely blooming flowers.

hibiscus

/ haɪˈbɪskəs /

noun

1. any plant of the chiefly tropical and subtropical malvaceous genus Hibiscus, esp H. rosa-sinensis, cultivated for its large brightly coloured flowers

Word History and Origins

Origin of hibiscus¹

1700–10; < New Latin, Latin < Greek hibískos mallow

Word History and Origins

Origin of hibiscus¹

C18: from Latin, from Greek hibiskos marsh mallow