Johnny-jump-up

American  

[jon-ee-juhmp-uhp] / ˈdʒɒn iˈdʒʌmpˌʌp /

noun

1. any of certain violets, especially Viola pedunculata, having variously colored flowers.

2. a small form of the pansy, V. tricolor.

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Johnny-jump-up British  

noun

1. any of several violaceous plants, esp the wild pansy

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Etymology

Origin of Johnny-jump-up

1835–45, so called from its rapid rate of growth; Johnny

Example Sentences

“I’m going to the woods,” he said, “to see Johnny-jump-up.”

From Project Gutenberg

But Johnny-jump-up suits 'em best, for it kind o' tells how they come up in the spring.

From Project Gutenberg

In a very short time a butterfly was brought out, and harnessed to a first-class Johnny-jump-up.

From Project Gutenberg