helichrysum

American  

[hel-i-krahy-suhm, hee-li-] / ˌhɛl ɪˈkraɪ səm, ˌhi lɪ- /

noun

1. any of the numerous composite plants of the genus Helichrysum, having alternate leaves and solitary or clustered flower heads, including the strawflower.

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helichrysum British  

/ ˌhɛlɪˈkraɪzəm /

noun

1. any plant of the widely cultivated genus Helichrysum, whose flowers retain their shape and colour when dried: family Asteraceae (composites)

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Etymology

Origin of helichrysum

< New Latin, neuter noun based on Greek helíchrȳsos a plant, probably of this genus, equivalent to heli- (perhaps by haplology from heliko- helico- ) + chrȳsós gold

Example Sentences

The result is a combination of plants that provide structure and texture, and flowers such as euphorbia, echium, helichrysum and agapanthus.

From New York Times • Apr. 21, 2022

Summer tastes like helichrysum, sunscreen, and warm asphalt.

From The New Yorker • Jul. 29, 2019

She began buying single, unmixed oils—eucalyptus and helichrysum, sandalwood and ravensara—and the house, which for years had smelled of earthy bark and bitter leaves, suddenly smelled of lavender and chamomile.

From "Educated" by Tara Westover