freesia

[ free-zhee-uh, -zee-uh, -zhuh ]

noun

1. any of several plants belonging to the genus Freesia, of the iris family, native to southern Africa, having fragrant white, yellow, or sometimes rose-colored, tubular flowers.

freesia

/ ˈfriːzɪə; ˈfriːʒə /

noun

1. any iridaceous plant of the genus Freesia, of southern Africa, cultivated for their white, yellow, or pink tubular fragrant flowers

Word History and Origins

Origin of freesia¹

1880–85; < New Latin; named after E. M. Fries (1794–1878), Swedish botanist; -ia

Word History and Origins

Origin of freesia¹

C19: New Latin, named after F. H. T. Freese (died 1876), German physician

Example Sentences

We have had our tea and the sunlight slants in over the white freesia and white hyacinths.

From Project Gutenberg

The freesia and the oxalis are of the "Cape" group of bulbs, and when started in the fall should blossom in four or five months.

From Project Gutenberg

One of them is called freesia (Fig. 371) and if I could have but one kind of bulb to flower in the winter, I should choose this.

From Project Gutenberg

On each side there is a hyacinth just starting and in front a little freesia in bloom.

From Project Gutenberg