statice

American  

[stat-is, -uh-see] / ˈstæt ɪs, -əˌsi /

noun

1. any of various plants belonging to the genus Limonium, of the leadwort family, having clusters of variously colored flowers that retain their color when dried.

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statice British  

/ ˈstætɪsɪ /

noun

1. a plant name formerly held to include both Armeria (thrift) and Limonium (sea lavender). The gardener's statice comprises various species of the latter, esp those whose flowers can be dried and kept: family Plumbaginaceae See thrift sea lavender

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Etymology

Origin of statice

1725–35; < New Latin (originally a genus name), Latin < Greek statikḗ an astringent herb, noun use of feminine of statikós astringent, literally, causing to stand; see static

Example Sentences

He said his focus then was on showy drought-tolerant plants like statice and Pride of Madeira, a fast-growing perennial with giant purple blooms native to the Portuguese island of Madeira.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2024

In one photo, Ms. Johnson wears a crown of roses, carnations, chrysanthemums, frilly tulips, statice and baby’s breath.

From New York Times • Mar. 20, 2021

He plucked the statice flowers from the ground instead of chopping them, requiring Carranza to constantly bend over.

From The Guardian • Sep. 21, 2016

Then, last September, they removed their front lawn and installed flagstone walkways, more dymondia, an assortment of rocks and pebbles and a hardy mix of plants including succulents, flax, statice and kangaroo paw.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 3, 2016

The all but bare ground is rusted with streaks of some reddish plant, and dabbed here and there with statice, a dreary little white everlasting.

From The New Yorker • May 6, 1955