petunia

American  

[pi-oo-nyuh, -nee-uh, -tyoo-] / pɪˈu nyə, -ni ə, -ˈtyu- /

noun

1. any garden plant belonging to the genus Petunia, of the nightshade family, native to tropical America, having funnel-shaped flowers of various colors.

2. a deep, reddish purple.

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petunia British  

/ pɪˈtjuːnɪə /

noun

1. any solanaceous plant of the tropical American genus Petunia: cultivated for their white, pink, blue, or purple funnel-shaped flowers

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Etymology

Origin of petunia

1815–25; < New Latin < obsolete French petun tobacco < Tupi petyn; -ia

Example Sentences

These discoveries are helping scientists to better understand the resilience and evolutionary story of Solanaceae, or nightshades, a sprawling family of plants that includes tomatoes, eggplants, potatoes, peppers, tobacco and petunias.

From Science Daily

A research team led by Purdue University scientists has documented new details about how petunias use volatile organic compounds to communicate.

From Science Daily

The scientists have already shown that several common flowers, such as periwinkles, petunias, and roses can be made to glow.

From NewsForKids.net

“Your first trip to the forest—the smell of pine and burning wood. The first flower you ever sniffed—petunias, a red rose, a lily. The scent of your grandmother's house—warm bread and sugar.”

From Literature

"Nancy will help you plant some new petunias next week," Mr. Drew said.

From Literature