helianthus

[ hee-lee-an-thuhs ]

noun

, plural he·li·an·thus·es.

1. any composite plant of the genus Helianthus, comprising the sunflowers.

helianthus

/ ˌhiːlɪˈænθəs /

noun

1. any plant of the genus Helianthus, such as the sunflower and Jerusalem artichoke, typically having large yellow daisy-like flowers with yellow, brown, or purple centres: family Asteraceae (composites)

Other Words From

• he·li·an·tha·ceous [hee-lee-, uh, n-, they, -sh, uh, s], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of helianthus¹

From New Latin, dating back to 1770–80; heli- ¹, -anthous

Word History and Origins

Origin of helianthus¹

C18: New Latin, from Greek hēlios sun + anthos flower

Example Sentences

Sprays of helianthus dripped yellow pollen along the front gate.

From Washington Post

Another gap can be plugged in late summer with the planting of the helianthus species — the hardy, perennial cousins of the giant sunflower and the wood aster.

From Washington Post

This valley has magnificent pasturage, hay not yet "sun cured," long grass, and abundant clover and vetches brightened by a profuse growth of a small helianthus.

From Project Gutenberg

So the tiger-lily and the columbine must be sought in the mountains, the rose and sweetbrier on low ground, the night-shades and the helianthus in the timbered cañons and gulches.

From Project Gutenberg

One was soon discovered nestling upon the blossom of a helianthus.

From Project Gutenberg