cyclamen

[ sahy-kluh-muhn, -men, sik-luh- ]

noun

1. any low-growing plant of the genus Cyclamen, belonging to the primrose family, having tuberous rootstocks and nodding white, purple, pink, or crimson flowers with reflexed petals.

cyclamen

/ -ˌmɛn; ˈsɪkləmən /

noun

1. See sowbread
   any Old World plant of the primulaceous genus Cyclamen, having nodding white, pink, or red flowers, with reflexed petals See also sowbread

adjective

1. of a dark reddish-purple colour

Word History and Origins

Origin of cyclamen¹

1540–50; < New Latin, Medieval Latin < Greek kyklámīnos bulbous plant, akin to kýklos cycle

Word History and Origins

Origin of cyclamen¹

C16: from Medieval Latin, from Latin cyclamīnos, from Greek kuklaminos, probably from kuklos circle, referring to the bulb-like roots

Example Sentences

The shooting-star, a near relative of the cyclamen, is as thick upon the earth as stars up in the sky.

From Project Gutenberg

Even on the roadside wall the lizards run in and out amongst beds of cyclamen and tenderest ferns and mosses.

From Project Gutenberg

Cyclamen presents curved surfaces, while narcissus makes her tube top narrow.

From Project Gutenberg

Cyclamen, snowdrop, violet, and periwinkle seeds are supposed to be carried in this way.

From Project Gutenberg

Something like this is Cyclamen, sometimes cultivated as a house plant.

From Project Gutenberg