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

Unlike the previous examples, Christmas cactus and florist cyclamen are better suited to cool Pacific Northwest conditions.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 1, 2022

As with cyclamen, the seeds have a sugary coating.

From Washington Post • Feb. 4, 2019

White primroses huddled beneath the trees, and cyclamen with their green and silver leaves were scattered among the hedges and outcroppings of rocks like strange cups of snow.

From "The Reader" by Traci Chee