centaurea

[ sen-tawr-ee-uh ]

noun

1. any of numerous composite plants of the genus Centaurea, having tubular flowers in a variety of colors. Compare cornflower ( def 1 ), knapweed.

centaurea

/ ˌsɛntɔːˈrɪə; sɛnˈtɔːrɪə /

noun

1. any plant of the genus Centaurea, which includes the cornflower and knapweed

Word History and Origins

Origin of centaurea¹

< New Latin (Linnaeus) by suffix change from Medieval Latin centauria; centaury, -ea

Word History and Origins

Origin of centaurea¹

C19: ultimately from Greek Kentauros the Centaur; see centaury

Example Sentences

At the moment, the Issima team is “chasing an orange thistle,” Ms. Johnston said, referring to their work with the genus Centaurea, and Mr. Bowen admits to “fooling around with Epimedium for cut flowers.”

From New York Times

For example, marked reproductive incompatibility has developed in just 200 years between source populations of Centaurea plants in Spain and introduced populations of the same species in California.

From Nature

At the base of the incline, bordered in the summer by golden fields of blooming Centaurea solstitialis flowers, was a little heart-shaped lake that you could see from my house.

From Scientific American

A name given to several different species of plants having blue flowers, as the Houstonia c?rulea, the Centaurea cyanus or bluebottle, and the Vaccinium angustifolium.

From Project Gutenberg

In answer to the question, What is the bluest flower in the garden or field? one answered Fringed Gentian; another the Forget-me-not, which has much pink in its buds and yellow in its blossoms; another Bee Larkspur; and the others Centaurea cyanus or Bachelor's Buttons, a local American name for them, which is not even a standard folk name, since there are twenty-one English plants called Bachelor's Buttons.

From Project Gutenberg