polyanthus

American  

[pol-ee-an-thuhs] / ˌpɒl iˈæn θəs /

noun

plural

polyanthuses

1. a hybrid primrose, Primula polyantha.

2. Also called polyanthus narcissus.  a narcissus, Narcissus tazetta, having small white or yellow flowers.

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polyanthus British  

/ ˌpɒlɪˈænθəs /

noun

1. any of several hybrid garden primroses, esp Primula polyantha, which has brightly coloured flowers

2. a Eurasian amaryllidaceous plant, Narcissus tazetta, having clusters of small yellow or white fragrant flowers

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Etymology

Origin of polyanthus

1620–30; < New Latin < Greek polýanthos having many flowers. See poly-, -anthous

Example Sentences

Some polyanthus and foxglove,   Sea-pinks, and columbine, Sweet-scented tulips, which I love, Whose beauty has e'en power to move   A heart less fond than mine.

From The Emigrant Mechanic and Other Tales in Verse Together with Numerous Songs Upon Canadian Subjects by Cowherd, Thomas

Stocks, red-hot-pokers, larkspur, polyanthus, peonies and dahlias caught the eye which was lured back to the humbler beauties of mignonette, forget-me-not, love-in-idleness, and a generous profusion of roses.

From The Soul of Susan Yellam by Vachell, Horace Annesley

Honora had the breakfast table covered with flowers, primroses, violets, polyanthus, and laurustinus, and some of Sophy's own snowdrops, double and single, which obligingly lingered on purpose to celebrate the day.

From The Life and Letters of Maria Edgeworth, Volume 2 by Hare, Augustus J. C.

The polyanthus section, which includes the Paper-white narcissus and sacred lily or Chinese joss-flower, are not hardy except with unusually good protection, and are, therefore, most suitable for growing indoors.

From Manual of Gardening (Second Edition) by Bailey, L. H. (Liberty Hyde)

Sow auricula and polyanthus seeds in boxes, made of rough boards six inches deep, with holes at the bottom to run off the water.

From The Cook and Housekeeper's Complete and Universal Dictionary; Including a System of Modern Cookery, in all Its Various Branches, Adapted to the Use of Private Families by Eaton, Mary, fl. 1823-1849