pentstemon

[pent-stee-muhn, pent-stuh-]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

pentstemon

/ pɛntˈstiːmən /

any scrophulariaceous plant of the North American genus Penstemon (or Pentstemon ), having white, pink, red, blue, or purple flowers with five stamens, one of which is bearded and sterile

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1750–60; < New Latin, equivalent to pent- pent- ( def. ) + Greek stḗmōn warp, thread

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C18: New Latin, from _penta- + Greek stēmōn thread (here: stamen)

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Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Pentstemon.—The popular garden varieties have sprung from P. Hartwegii and P. Cobaea.

This charming Pentstemon is one of the most gracious flowers to be found in the Sierras in late summer.

This species of Pentstemon is well marked by its white-woolly anthers, which almost fill the throat.

The name Pentstemon is from two Greek words, signifying five and stamen.

Pentstemon, pent-stē′mon, n. a genus of perennial herbs of the order Scrophularine�, common in California.

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