zinnia

American  

[zin-ee-uh] / ˈzɪn i ə /

noun

1. any of several composite plants of the genus Zinnia, native to Mexico and adjacent areas, especially the widely cultivated species Z. elegans, having variously colored, many-rayed flower heads.

---

zinnia British  

/ ˈzɪnɪə /

noun

1. any annual or perennial plant of the genus Zinnia, of tropical and subtropical America, having solitary heads of brightly coloured flowers: family Asteraceae (composites)

---

Etymology

Origin of zinnia

1760–70; < New Latin, named after J. G. Zinn (1727–59), German botanist; -ia

Explanation

A zinnia is a plant that grows brightly-colored flowers with many petals. In 2016, a zinnia plant aboard the International Space Station blossomed in zero gravity. A zinnia is a type of daisy, distinguished for its bright pinks, purples, reds, and oranges. Most are native to the Southwest of the United States, but they are easy to grow just about everywhere. In fact, they're extremely popular with gardeners, because they're easily planted as seeds and can withstand very hot summer temperatures. Their name comes from a famous German botanist, Johann Gottfried Zinn.

Example Sentences

A single seed contains all the genetic information it needs to fulfill its unique biological pattern, whether it is programmed to become an aster, zinnia or an oak tree.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 12, 2024

The holiday-friendly Noah Dress in hibiscus zinnia stripe from Christy Dawn features a V-neck, tiered skirt and three-quarter sleeves.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 4, 2021

With a zinnia or marigold, seed forms in the fading flower’s base, “so when its petals are falling, it’s getting to be time,” he said.

From New York Times • Sep. 16, 2020

The project has had success growing three types of lettuce, Chinese cabbage, red Russian kale, mizuna mustard and zinnia flowers in space.

From The Guardian • Jun. 7, 2020

Among the flowers there was a freak plant, a zinnia with six bronze petals and two red.

From "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter" by Carson McCullers