cyclamen

[ sahy-kluh-muhn, -men, sik-luh- ]

noun

1. any low-growing plant of the genus Cyclamen, belonging to the primrose family, having tuberous rootstocks and nodding white, purple, pink, or crimson flowers with reflexed petals.

cyclamen

/ ˈsɪkləmən; -ˌmɛn /

noun

1. any Old World plant of the primulaceous genus Cyclamen, having nodding white, pink, or red flowers, with reflexed petals See also sowbread

adjective

1. of a dark reddish-purple colour

Word History and Origins

Origin of cyclamen¹

1540–50; < New Latin, Medieval Latin < Greek kyklámīnos bulbous plant, akin to kýklos cycle

Word History and Origins

Origin of cyclamen¹

C16: from Medieval Latin, from Latin cyclamīnos, from Greek kuklaminos, probably from kuklos circle, referring to the bulb-like roots

Example Sentences

Samnite bronze head, a rare Waldesian Evangelical community and an ancient annual pageant with pagan roots that venerates a circular cane garlanded in wild cyclamen flowers.

From New York Times

Add cold-season plantings like primroses, pansies, heather and cyclamen to pots and window boxes.

From Seattle Times

Her taste at the Reserve is expressed in the Rhododendron Glen, the Ravine, the candelabra primulas, ginger, cyclamen, oxalis and other wildflowers on the property.

From Seattle Times

For example, equipment was being developed to detect radioactive material at UK entry points - work which became known as "Operation Cyclamen".

From BBC

The kidney-shaped leaves of cyclamen flowers — white, pink or lavender — have popped up between raised crypts.

From New York Times