passionflower

[ pash-uhn-flou-er ]

noun

1. any chiefly American climbing vine or shrub of the genus Passiflora, having showy flowers and a pulpy berry or fruit that in some species is edible.

passionflower

/ ˈpæʃənˌflaʊə /

noun

1. any passifloraceous plant of the tropical American genus Passiflora, cultivated for their red, yellow, greenish, or purple showy flowers: some species have edible fruit See also granadilla

Word History and Origins

Origin of passionflower¹

1605–15; translation of New Latin flōs passiōnis flower of the Passion; so named because the parts of the flower were imagined as symbolic of the objects and events of Christ's Passion

Word History and Origins

Origin of passionflower¹

C17: so called from the alleged resemblance between parts of the flower and the instruments of Christ's crucifixion

Example Sentences

Herbs that are often promoted for relaxation, stress relief or sleep include valerian root, passionflower, lemon balm and ashwagandha, among others.

From Seattle Times

My chiropractor recommended valerian root, magnesium and passionflower extract.

From Seattle Times

A store wall is lined with Mason jars filled with herbaceous plants like jewelweed, passionflower and elderberry, which Appalachians were taught to use by the Cherokee.

From Seattle Times

If a red wasp is eating the Gulf fritillary caterpillars on the passionflower vines that I planted just for them, there is nothing to be done about it.

From New York Times

The entrance to the house is defined by an arched tunnel supporting kiwi vines, cardinal flowers and a hardy passionflower.

From Washington Post