trillium

[ tril-ee-uhm ]

noun

1. any of several plants belonging to the genus Trillium, of the lily family, having a whorl of three leaves from the center of which rises a solitary, three-petalled flower.

trillium

/ ˈtrɪljəm /

noun

1. any herbaceous plant of the genus Trillium , of Asia and North America, having a whorl of three leaves at the top of the stem with a single central white, pink, or purple three-petalled flower: family Trilliaceae

Word History and Origins

Origin of trillium¹

< New Latin (Linnaeus), apparently alteration of Swedish trilling triplet, alluding to the foliation

Word History and Origins

Origin of trillium¹

C18: from New Latin, modification by Linnaeus of Swedish trilling triplet

Example Sentences

I plucked my first dandelion on a meadow slope on the 23d, and in the woods, protected by a high ledge, my first trillium.

From Project Gutenberg

See how the banks are all enamelled with the pale hepatica, the painted trillium, and the delicate pink-veined spring beauty.

From Project Gutenberg

Betty had pressed a white trillium that made an imposing picture, retaining all its beauty and lines.

From Project Gutenberg

The boys had the painted trillium in their collection but had never seen the white one.

From Project Gutenberg

The very short rootstock and strong terminal bud of a Trillium or Birthroot.

From Project Gutenberg