lupine

¹

[ loo-pin ]

noun

1. any of numerous plants belonging to the genus Lupinus, of the legume family, as L. albus white lupine, of Europe, bearing edible seeds, or L. perennis, of the eastern U.S., having tall, dense clusters of blue, pink, or white flowers.

lupine

²

[ loo-pahyn ]

adjective

1. pertaining to or resembling the wolf.
2. related to the wolf.
3. savage; ravenous; predatory.

lupine

/ ˈluːpaɪn /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or resembling a wolf

lupine

/ lo̅o̅′pīn′ /

1. Characteristic of or resembling wolves.

Word History and Origins

Origin of lupine¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin lupīnus, lupīnum, apparently noun use of lupīnus lupine ²; compare German wolfsbohne lupine, literally, wolf bean

Origin of lupine²

1650–60; < Latin lupīnus of a wolf, equivalent to lup ( us ) wolf + -īnus -ine ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of lupine¹

C17: from Latin lupīnus, from lupus wolf

Example Sentences

Then one day, hiking in the wild lands around their home, Margaret realized that the hills were covered with fragrant, beautifully blooming plants like lupine and sages.

From Los Angeles Times

Traditional European breweries — like those run by Belgian monks hewing to centuries-old methods — retain the fruity signature of yeast in its untamed, lupine form, he said.

From New York Times

“It is such a magical walk to the front door,” Cordeal says of the lupine, poppies, penstemon and sage blooming on either side of the stairs up to the house.

From Los Angeles Times

She also grows native poppies — Matilija and California — penstemons, lupines and many different salvias.

From Los Angeles Times

Along the way, I spotted flashy displays of yellow balsamroot and purple lupine as my family meandered alongside burbling Cowiche Creek.

From Seattle Times