sempervivum

[ sem-per-vahy-vuhm ]

noun

1. any of various succulent plants belonging to the genus Sempervivum, of the stonecrop family, having leaves in dense basal rosettes and a compact, flat-topped cluster of flowers, and including the houseleek, S. tectorum, and other commonly cultivated species.

sempervivum

/ ˌsɛmpəˈvaɪvəm /

noun

1. See houseleek

Word History and Origins

Origin of sempervivum¹

< New Latin: genus name, Late Latin sempervīvum houseleek, equivalent to Latin semper always + vīvum, neuter singular of vīvus alive, in reference to the plant's durable qualities

Word History and Origins

Origin of sempervivum¹

New Latin, from Latin sempervivus ever-living, from semper always + vivere to live