chrysanthemum

[ kri-san-thuh-muhm ]

noun

1. any of several composite plants of the genus Chrysanthemum, as C. leucanthemum, the oxeye daisy, having white ray flowers with a yellow center.
2. any cultivated variety of the plant C. morifolium, native to China, and of other species of Chrysanthemum, notable for the diversity of color and size of their autumnal flowers.
3. the flower of any such plant.

chrysanthemum

/ krɪˈsænθəməm /

noun

1. any widely cultivated plant of the genus Chrysanthemum, esp C. morifolium of China, having brightly coloured showy flower heads: family Asteraceae (composites)
2. any other plant of the genus Chrysanthemum, such as oxeye daisy

Word History and Origins

Origin of chrysanthemum¹

1570–80; < Latin < Greek chrȳsánthemon, equivalent to chrȳs- chrys- + ánthemon flower, akin to ánthos; antho-

Word History and Origins

Origin of chrysanthemum¹

C16: from Latin: marigold, from Greek khrusanthemon, from khrusos gold + anthemon flower

Example Sentences

And I really ought to extol the graciously ironic handling of “Chrysanthemum Tea,” one of those oh-so-clever Sondheim numbers that spans enormous dramatic territory in a manner so catchy that the song seems to gallop.

From Los Angeles Times

After all, this is a royal family whose Chrysanthemum throne rule and lineage trace millennia, a royal house which did not wish to taint themselves with social media for well over a decade.

From BBC

Naruhito, who will mark the fifth anniversary of his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne on May 1, said he has sought to stay as close to the people as possible.

From Seattle Times

Ms. Shiino, contestant No. 1 among a dozen finalists, was selected after a competition at a hotel in Tokyo that involved a strut in a sports bra and shorts, and a kimono round for which she wore a peach pink one with a chrysanthemum pattern and zori sandals.

From New York Times

In the days since Li's death, crowds of mourners have laid thousands of chrysanthemum bouquets across the country - including in Zhengzhou, the capital city of Henan where Li once served as the top provincial official, and around his childhood home in the city of Hefei in Anhui province.

From BBC