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.

---

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

---

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

As he sat on a wooden bench, a unique assortment of colors and textures surrounded him: oaks, elderberry, redbuds, wild petunias, queen-of-the-prairie, day lilies, asters and so much more.

From Seattle Times

The lush 5-acre lot near North Seattle College was once home to rows of sun-drenched greenhouses filled with Easter lilies, petunias and chrysanthemums.

From Seattle Times