poinsettia

[ poin-set-ee-uh, -set-uh ]

noun

1. a plant, Euphorbia ( Poinsettia ) pulcherrima, of the spurge family, native to Mexico and Central America, having variously lobed leaves and brilliant scarlet, pink, or white petallike bracts.

poinsettia

/ pɔɪnˈsɛtɪə /

noun

1. a euphorbiaceous shrub, Euphorbia (or Poinsettia ) pulcherrima, of Mexico and Central America, widely cultivated for its showy scarlet bracts, which resemble petals

Word History and Origins

Origin of poinsettia¹

1830–40; < New Latin, named after J. R. Poinsett (1799–1851), American minister to Mexico, who discovered the plant there in 1828; -ia

Word History and Origins

Origin of poinsettia¹

C19: New Latin, from the name of J. P. Poinsett (1799–1851), US Minister to Mexico, who introduced it to the US

Example Sentences

“It will be many years into the future that I do not want for the best poinsettia you can find in the region.”

From Seattle Times

The signature poinsettia tree, with benches for family picture-taking, was a beacon of wonder.

From Seattle Times

It was pure joy to stroll around dozens of decorated trees, consider books on bone broth, sniff the scented candles, check out the Scandinavian candelabra and the Hanukkah candles, and leave with something unexpected: a tiny holiday drum planter that fit a single, 3-inch, live poinsettia.

From Seattle Times

The first was a photo of a guitar next to a fire and Christmas poinsettia.

From New York Times

But now, nearly 200 years after the plant with the bright crimson leaves was introduced north of the Rio Grande, attention is once again turning to the poinsettia’s origins and the checkered history of its namesake.

From Washington Times