protea

/ ˌprəʊtɪˈeɪʃəs; ˈprəʊtɪə /

noun

1. any shrub or small tree of the genus Protea, of tropical and southern Africa, having flowers with coloured bracts arranged in showy heads: family Proteaceae

Derived Forms

• proteaceous, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of protea¹

C20: from New Latin, from Proteus , referring to the large number of different forms of the plant

Example Sentences

Protea at once changes her disguise to the ghost of Ulysses, and is in time to warn her lover of his danger.

From Project Gutenberg

We raced along a mile of sandy lane lined with firs and protea and heath, called, by reason of some virtue, 'The Ladies' Mile.'

From Project Gutenberg

We chose a little narrow pathway running up the hill from the middle avenue, winding through low protea-bush and silver-trees.

From Project Gutenberg

Their evolution is distinctly traceable in the soft grey silkiness on the back of the leaves of the large, yellow protea-bush.

From Project Gutenberg