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

Since it was early afternoon, Rinzler gave me a crash-course in “right drinking” over a pot of Chrysanthemum tea.

From The Daily Beast

Her efforts were so successful that the newspapers referred to Twain's locks as a "chrysanthemum of white hair."

From The Daily Beast

Be on the lookout for black beetle on Aster and Chrysanthemum.

From Project Gutenberg

Since then she pulls off a chrysanthemum every morning from the plant in her mother's window, and lays it beside my plate.

From Project Gutenberg

The rose show of June is only surpassed by the chrysanthemum exhibition in autumn.

From Project Gutenberg

Other bearers followed, keeping step and carrying the regalia, consisting of chrysanthemum stalks and blossoms.

From Project Gutenberg

Particularly is this true of My Lady Chrysanthemum; for she well repays for any trouble that may be spent upon her.

From Project Gutenberg

More About Chrysanthemum

What does chrysanthemum mean?

The name chrysanthemum is used to refer to a number of plants known for their showy flowers that come in a variety of colors, including yellow, orange, pink, purple, red, and yellow.

The name can refer to the flower or the plant and can be used for any plant in the genus Chrysanthemum.

Chrysanthemums are often referred to with the shortened name mums.

Chrysanthemums are one of the November birth flowers (a flower that’s associated with a particular month in the same way as a birthstone).

In parts of the U.S., chrysanthemums are a popular decoration for the fall season. The flowers also have cultural significance in East Asia, particularly In Japan and China.

The chrysanthemum is the official flower of the city of Chicago.

Example: In the fall, we like to decorate our front port with chrysanthemums and pumpkins.

Where does chrysanthemum come from?

The first records of the word chrysanthemum come from around the 1570s. It comes from the Greek chrȳsánthemon, from chrȳs, meaning “golden,” and ánthemon, meaning “flower.”

Most varieties of chrysanthemums are perennials. They are native to and most common in East Asia, where they are sometimes used to make tea.

Did you know ... ?

What are some synonyms for chrysanthemum?

• mum

What are some words that share a root or word element with chrysanthemum? 

• chrysalis
• anthology

What are some words that often get used in discussing chrysanthemum?

• flower
• fall
• autumn
• perennial
• November

How is chrysanthemum used in real life?

Chrysanthemum is commonly shortened to mum. The flowers are known for their variety of colors and are popular fall decorations in some places.

Autumn chrysanthemums #flowers pic.twitter.com/P5pp0XG8dM

— Bill M Moore (@BillMoore20) October 24, 2021

A chrysanthemum snapped off my shop bought bouquet and I can’t throw out a flower that isn’t dead so I’ve stuck it in a shot glass with some sprigs from the garden. pic.twitter.com/oxlCZn03M2

— Helen MacKinven (@HelenMacKinven) June 29, 2020

From twee little pots to exposed root specimens, our chrysanthemum bonsai put our growers’ artistic and horticultural skill on full display. Come see them for yourself at Chrysanthemum Festival through 11/14! pic.twitter.com/SOSJbSUEMq

— longwoodgardens (@longwoodgardens) October 22, 2021

 

Try using chrysanthemum!

True or False?

Some chrysanthemums can be used to make tea.