poinsettia

[ poin-set-ee-uh, -set-uh ]

noun

1. a plant, Euphorbia ( Poinsettia ) pulcherrima, of the spurge family, native to Mexico and Central America, having variously lobed leaves and brilliant scarlet, pink, or white petallike bracts.

poinsettia

/ pɔɪnˈsɛtɪə /

noun

1. a euphorbiaceous shrub, Euphorbia (or Poinsettia ) pulcherrima, of Mexico and Central America, widely cultivated for its showy scarlet bracts, which resemble petals

Word History and Origins

Origin of poinsettia¹

1830–40; < New Latin, named after J. R. Poinsett (1799–1851), American minister to Mexico, who discovered the plant there in 1828; -ia

Word History and Origins

Origin of poinsettia¹

C19: New Latin, from the name of J. P. Poinsett (1799–1851), US Minister to Mexico, who introduced it to the US

Example Sentences

However, things went sour quickly at her Poinsettia Place apartment.

From The Daily Beast

In October 2010, she moved into a $1,195 per month one-bedroom apartment on Poinsettia Place in Hollywood.

From The Daily Beast

It is used with pineapple and cherries in the preparation of poinsettia salad, which is illustrated in Fig. 11.

From Project Gutenberg

Poinsettia pulcherrima is also worthy of particular attention as a noble ornamental flower at this season.

From Project Gutenberg

Each little garden flames with red poinsettia, purple convolvulus, and yellow daisies.

From Project Gutenberg

While a bright red is extremely lovely, a black poinsettia is equally effective.

From Project Gutenberg

The petals of this blossom are also pasted to a lining, the poinsettia making a beautiful ornament.

From Project Gutenberg