cleome

[ klee-oh-mee ]

noun

1. any of numerous strong-smelling plants or shrubs belonging to the genus Cleome, of the caper family, mostly natives of tropical regions, and often bearing showy flowers.

cleome

/ klɪˈəʊmɪ /

noun

1. any herbaceous or shrubby plant of the mostly tropical capparidaceous genus Cleome, esp C. spinosa, cultivated for their clusters of white or purplish flowers with long stamens

Word History and Origins

Origin of cleome¹

< New Latin (Linnaeus), of uncertain origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of cleome¹

C19: New Latin, of obscure origin

Example Sentences

So are cleome, Gomphrena and various salvias, with their tubular flowers that invite hummingbirds to make a pit stop on the way south.

From Seattle Times

Pick plants that pump out plenty of blooms all season, such as zinnia, scabiosa, salpiglossis and cleome.

From Seattle Times

In mid-May, she removes the potted flowers and plants petunias, cleome, coleus and salvia, as well as hydrangeas.

From New York Times

Yonder the orange predominates in the showy flowers of the asclepia; and beyond, the eye roams over the pink blossoms of the cleome.

From Project Gutenberg