chrysanthemum

American  

[kri-san-thuh-muhm] / krɪˈsæn θə məm /

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.

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chrysanthemum British  

/ 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

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Usage

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.

Etymology

Origin of chrysanthemum

1570–80; < Latin < Greek chrȳsánthemon, equivalent to chrȳs- chrys- + ánthemon flower, akin to ánthos; antho-

Example Sentences

It’s the modern-day version of a row of bayonets facing down an anti-war demonstrator with a chrysanthemum, with an added veneer of 2025 stupidity courtesy of Subway.

From Slate • Aug. 15, 2025

In the converted barn's main room, Elizabethan ballads drifted through smoke-thick air as someone scattered chrysanthemum petals across a sheepskin rug.

From Salon • Apr. 19, 2025

The Weibo microblogging platform turned its "like" button into a "mourn" icon in the shape of a chrysanthemum on its mobile app.

From Reuters • Oct. 27, 2023

The farm, located in Columbia City and managed by the Asian Counseling and Referral Service, have received 500 plant starts so far this growing season — bok choy, cilantro, chrysanthemum greens and more.

From Seattle Times • May 7, 2023

Small chrysanthemum flower-lanterns are released in the air.

From "The Belles" by Dhonielle Clayton