plumeria

American  

[ploo-mee-ree-uh] / pluˈmi ri ə /

noun

1. any of various trees or shrubs of the genus Plumeria in the dogbane family, native to tropical regions and having simple, opposite leaves, usually showy flowers, and a milky sap that can be irritating to the eyes or skin; frangipani.

   Plumeria is an important crop in Hawaii, with millions of flowers sold to be used in leis every year.

2. the flower of a plumeria tree.

   The temple courtyard is carpeted with plumeria, the Lao national flower.

---

Example Sentences

The intense humidity wilted the $20 breakfast receipt in my pocket, but the orchids and plumeria around me were thriving.

From The Wall Street Journal

Plumeria cuttings from his grandmother’s house in the neighborhood were also added to the plot.

From Los Angeles Times

I still remember our trip well, that crispy ahi with pineapple salsa, the rainbows in Kauai and the sweet smell of the orchids and plumeria of the leis.

From Los Angeles Times

The family ran four stores that catered to tourists, selling aloha shirts and muumuus along with leis that Vierra’s husband, Mike Vierra, would make from plumeria blossoms he picked in their yard.

From Seattle Times

Of the family’s dozen plumeria trees, three survived.

From Seattle Times