hyacinth

¹

[ hahy-uh-sinth ]

noun

1. a bulbous plant, Hyacinthus orientalis, of the lily family, widely cultivated for its cylindrical cluster of fragrant flowers in a variety of colors.
2. any of various similar or related plants, as the grape hyacinth or the water hyacinth.
3. a plant fabled to have sprung from the blood of Hyacinthus and variously identified as iris, gladiolus, larkspur, etc.
4. Mineralogy. a reddish-orange zircon.
5. a gem of the ancients, held to be the amethyst or sapphire.

Hyacinth

²

[ hahy-uh-sinth ]

noun

1. a female given name.

hyacinth

/ ˈhaɪəsɪnθ; ˌhaɪəˈsɪnθaɪn /

noun

1. any liliaceous plant of the Mediterranean genus Hyacinthus, esp any cultivated variety of H. orientalis, having a thick flower stalk bearing white, blue, or pink fragrant flowers
2. the flower or bulb of such a plant
3. any similar or related plant, such as the grape hyacinth
4. Also calledjacinth a red or reddish-brown transparent variety of the mineral zircon, used as a gemstone
5. Greek myth a flower which sprang from the blood of the dead Hyacinthus
6. 1. any of the varying colours of the hyacinth flower or stone
   2. ( as modifier )

      hyacinth eyes

Derived Forms

• hyacinthine, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hyacinth¹

1545–55; < Latin hyacinthus < Greek hyákinthos blue larkspur, also a gem of blue color; jacinth

Word History and Origins

Origin of hyacinth¹

C16: from Latin hyacinthus, from Greek huakinthos

Example Sentences

The estuary already has a long list of non-native species, including bass, water hyacinth, Asian clams and overbite clams.

From Los Angeles Times

On a bedroom shelf, Peloza set up a vignette with a candle holder topped with a pinecone, an antique wooden stamp and a hyacinth sculpture made of iron.

From Seattle Times

Admittedly, it’s easier to bloom an Amaryllis, hyacinth or paperwhite Narcissus bulb that has been prepared in cold storage by the supplier.

From Seattle Times

On a recent summer afternoon, Duke, the farm dog, swims splashy laps in the hyacinth ponds.

From Seattle Times

He cuts the stems of water hyacinths in the lake near his house, lets the pile stew in the sun, and shapes it into long, wide seedbeds on top of the water.

From New York Times