geranium

[ ji-rey-nee-uhm ]

noun

1. any of numerous plants of the genus Geranium, which comprises the crane's-bills.
2. the wild geranium, G. maculatum, of eastern North America, having loose clusters of lavender flowers.
3. Also called stork's-bill. any of various plants of the allied genus Pelargonium, native to southern Africa, having showy flowers or fragrant leaves, widely cultivated in gardens and as houseplants.
4. a flower of this plant.
5. a vivid red color.

geranium

/ dʒɪˈreɪnɪəm /

noun

1. any cultivated geraniaceous plant of the genus Pelargonium , having scarlet, pink, or white showy flowers See also pelargonium rose geranium lemon geranium
2. any geraniaceous plant of the genus Geranium, such as cranesbill and herb Robert, having divided leaves and pink or purplish flowers
3. a strong red to a moderate or strong pink colour

Word History and Origins

Origin of geranium¹

1540–50; < New Latin, for Latin geranion < Greek geránion name for various plants the fruit of which was thought to resemble a crane's bill, derivative of géranos crane; akin to Latin grūs

Word History and Origins

Origin of geranium¹

C16: from Latin: cranesbill, from Greek geranion, from geranos crane

Example Sentences

These include citronella and a few other geranium varieties, marigolds, lemongrass, catnip, certain types of mint, lavender and lantana.

From Los Angeles Times

And the plant orders that include geraniums and eucalyptus—once considered to be closely related—are in fact quite distant from each other.

From Science Magazine

These microbes are known to contaminate white wine, causing spoilage and unpleasant odors, including nail polish remover, geranium and "mousy" odors.

From Science Daily

You may find certain container annuals beginning to return with fewer frosts, like geraniums and calibrachoa.

From Seattle Times

These include citronella, a few other geranium varieties, plus marigolds, lemongrass, catnip, certain types of mint, lavender, and lantana.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cardinal
• coral
• crimson
• flaming
• glowing
• maroon
• rose
• wine