gloxinia

[ glok-sin-ee-uh ]

noun

1. any of several horticultural varieties of a plant belonging to the genus Sinningia, of the gesneria family, especially S. speciosa, having large white, red, or purple bell-shaped flowers.
2. any plant of the genus Gloxinia, of Central and South America, having bluish, white, or pink flowers.

gloxinia

/ ɡlɒkˈsɪnɪə /

noun

1. any of several tropical plants of the genus Sinningia, esp the South American S. speciosa, cultivated for its large white, red, or purple bell-shaped flowers: family Gesneriaceae

Word History and Origins

Origin of gloxinia¹

Named after Benjamin P. Gloxin (flourished 1785), German physician and botanist; -ia

Word History and Origins

Origin of gloxinia¹

C19: named after Benjamin P. Gloxin, 18th-century German physician and botanist who first described it

Example Sentences

After dinner, when Frau von Leskjewitsch has carried her cousin off to the greenhouse to show him her now gloxinias, the major chances to go into the drawing-room, which he supposes empty.

From Project Gutenberg

While this has yet to fully manifest itself in the density of adult gloxinia populations on the mainland, the researchers found 55% fewer juvenile plants per adult plant on the mainland vis-à-vis the islands.

From BBC

I wish you could see our garden at home, full of lovely geraniums and fuchsias and lobelias, and the orchids and gloxinias in the conservatory.

From Project Gutenberg

John, I have been showing Mr. Campion your gloxinias.

From Project Gutenberg

"I picked off my gloxinias and gave 'em all to Willard."

From Project Gutenberg