delphinium

noun

del·​phin·​i·​um del-ˈfi-nē-əm How to pronounce delphinium (audio)
: any of a large genus (Delphinium) of the buttercup family that comprises chiefly perennial erect branching herbs with palmately divided leaves and irregular flowers in showy spikes and includes several that are poisonous compare larkspur

Illustration of delphinium

Illustration of delphinium

Examples of delphinium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Guests were greeted with glasses of bubbly in the French Drawing Room, elegantly adorned with a profusion of white roses and delphiniums. Eliseé Browchuk, Vogue, 13 Sep. 2024 My favorites include calendula, poppies, nasturtium, chard, and delphinium flowers. Katie Boué, Outside Online, 5 Aug. 2024 Speaking of, floral arrangements in a patriotic theme—white hydrangeas, red roses, and blue delphiniums—also filled the space. Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 28 July 2024 In Florida your delphiniums are performing normally. Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 6 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for delphinium 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'delphinium.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, genus name, from Greek delphinion larkspur, diminutive of delphin-, delphis dolphin; probably from the shape of the nectary

First Known Use

1664, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of delphinium was in 1664

Dictionary Entries Near delphinium

Cite this Entry

“Delphinium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/delphinium. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

delphinium

noun
del·​phin·​i·​um del-ˈfin-ē-əm How to pronounce delphinium (audio)
: any of a large genus of herbs related to the buttercups and widely grown for their flowers in showy spikes

Medical Definition

delphinium

noun
del·​phin·​i·​um del-ˈfin-ē-əm How to pronounce delphinium (audio)
1
Delphinium : a large genus of chiefly perennial herbaceous plants of the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae) that have lobed leaves and typically white or blue flowers in dense showy spikes and that contain toxic alkaloids
2
plural delphiniums or delphinium : any plant of the genus Delphinium compare larkspur
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