cyclamen

American  

[sahy-kluh-muhn, -men, sik-luh-] / ˈsaɪ klə mən, -ˌmɛn, ˈsɪk lə- /

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.

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cyclamen British  

/ ˈsɪkləmən, -ˌmɛn /

noun

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

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adjective

1. of a dark reddish-purple colour

Etymology

Origin of cyclamen

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

Example Sentences

Samnite bronze head, a rare Waldesian Evangelical community and an ancient annual pageant with pagan roots that venerates a circular cane garlanded in wild cyclamen flowers.

From New York Times • Jan. 22, 2024

The kidney-shaped leaves of cyclamen flowers — white, pink or lavender — have popped up between raised crypts.

From New York Times • Dec. 28, 2022

This month, you’ll find a precocious spring display filled with forced bulbs, florist azaleas, cyclamen and other cool-season flowers.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 15, 2022

It’s traditional to add color with winter-blooming annuals such as primroses, or the showier red, white or pink cyclamen.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 24, 2021

Then she rose gracefully to her feet, walked across the grass, and came back with a single cyclamen pinched between her thumb and forefinger.

From "The Reader" by Traci Chee