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narcissus

[ nahr-sis-uhs ]

noun

, plural nar·cis·sus, nar·cis·sus·es, nar·cis·si [nahr-, sis, -ee, -, sis, -ahy]
  1. any bulbous plant belonging to the genus Narcissus, of the amaryllis family, having showy yellow or white flowers with a cup-shaped corona.
  2. the flower of any of these plants.
  3. (initial capital letter) Classical Mythology. a youth who fell in love with his own image reflected in a pool and wasted away from unsatisfied desire, whereupon he was transformed into the flower.


Narcissus

1

/ nɑːˈsɪsəs /

noun

  1. Greek myth a beautiful youth who fell in love with his reflection in a pool and pined away, becoming the flower that bears his name
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


narcissus

2

/ nɑːˈsɪsəs /

noun

  1. any amaryllidaceous plant of the Eurasian genus Narcissus, esp N. poeticus, whose yellow, orange, or white flowers have a crown surrounded by spreading segments
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Narcissus

  1. A beautiful youth in classical mythology who fell in love with his own reflection in a pool. Because he was unable to tear himself away from the image, he wasted away and died.


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Notes

“Narcissists” are people completely absorbed in themselves. ( See narcissism .)
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Word History and Origins

Origin of narcissus1

1540–50; < Latin < Greek nárkissos plant name, traditionally connected, by virtue of plant's narcotic effects, with nárkē numbness, torpor. See narcotic
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Word History and Origins

Origin of narcissus1

C16: via Latin from Greek nárkissos, perhaps from narkē numbness, because of narcotic properties attributed to species of the plant
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Example Sentences

Calm down and reacquaint yourself with the myth of Narcissus.

At first glance, this makes us seem even worse than Narcissus.

“I am going to be the nominee,” the modern-day Narcissus declared while gazing at his reflection in the polls.

We set the Narcissus poeticus bulbs where, if they grew, the flowers could look at themselves in the mirror below the dam.

Maugiron was playing with Narcissus, the large greyhound, and Quelus was sitting near.

Not so, sire; I place Narcissus far above you, for he knows how to defend himself, and you do not.

Zelphine and I have decided that we will never acknowledge this to be a Dionysus or anything less poetic than the Narcissus.

The “Times” is the secluded pool into which England loves to gaze when it plays the rle of Narcissus.

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More About The Narcissus Flower

What does narcissus mean?

A narcissus is a showy, cup- or trumpet-shaped flower that comes in white, yellow, and orange varieties.

The name narcissus is also used for any plant in the genus Narcissus.

The plural forms of narcissus are narcissuses and narcissi.

Common varieties include the daffodil (scientific name Narcissus pseudonarcissus), the jonquil (N. jonquilla), and the paper-white narcissus (N. tazetta).

The narcissus is popular for bouquets and gardens.

Narcissus is one of the December birth flowers (a flower that’s associated with a particular month in the same way as a birthstone).

Example: The narcissus is one of my favorite flowers—I just love its trumpet shape.

Where does narcissus come from?

The first records of the word narcissus in reference to the flower come from the mid-1500s. It comes from the Greek nárkissos, perhaps from narkē, “numbness,” perhaps a reference to the plant’s narcotic properties.

Narcissuses are bulbous, perennial plants. They typically bloom between late winter and late spring. Most members of the genus are native to Europe. The bulbs of the flowers are poisonous when eaten for both humans and animals.

The flower narcissus is associated with the Greek myth of Narcissus, who falls in love with his own reflection and withers away and dies due to his obsession—after which he is said to have turned into the flower that now bears his name. (His name is also the basis for the word narcissism.)

Did you know ... ?

What are some words that share a root or word element with narcissus

What are some words that often get used in discussing narcissus?

How is narcissus used in real life?

Narcissuses are popular in bouquets and gardens. The flower is often connected to the Greek myth.

 

Try using narcissus!

True or False?

The daffodil belongs to the genus Narcissus.

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