ageratum

[ aj-uh-rey-tuhm, uh-jer-uh- ]

noun

1. any of several composite plants of the genus Ageratum, especially A. houstonianum, having heart-shaped leaves and small, dense, blue, lavender, or white flower heads, often grown in gardens.
2. any of various other composite plants, as the mistflower, having blue or white flowers.

ageratum

/ ˌædʒəˈreɪtəm /

noun

1. any tropical American plant of the genus Ageratum, such as A. houstonianum and A. conyzoides, which have thick clusters of purplish-blue flowers

Word History and Origins

Origin of ageratum¹

1560–70; < New Latin; Latin agēraton < Greek agḗraton, neuter of agḗratos unaging, equivalent to a- a- ⁶ + gērat- (stem of gêras ) old age + -os adj. suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of ageratum¹

C16: New Latin, via Latin from Greek agēraton that which does not age, from a- ¹+ gērat-, stem of gēras old age; the flowers of the plant remain vivid for a long time

Example Sentences

It is easily grown, and makes a fine second-row plant for a border, contrasting well with Browallia or Ageratum.

From Project Gutenberg

The Ageratum is a lovely plant for a low bed, with its great masses of soft lavender flowers.

From Project Gutenberg

Ageratum, with its delicate lavender-blue flowers, can be made extremely attractive in combination with yellow Coleus.

From Project Gutenberg

Ageratum is lovely for edging beds of pink Geraniums, its soft lavender tones being in perfect harmony with their color.

From Project Gutenberg

"We've decided on ageratum for the border and larkspur and monkshood for the back," said Ethel Brown.

From Project Gutenberg