narcissus

[ nahr-sis-uhs ]

noun

, plural nar·cis·sus, nar·cis·sus·es, nar·cis·si [nahr-, sis, -ee, -, sis, -ahy]

1. any bulbous plant belonging to the genus Narcissus, of the amaryllis family, having showy yellow or white flowers with a cup-shaped corona.
2. the flower of any of these plants.
3. (initial capital letter) Classical Mythology. a youth who fell in love with his own image reflected in a pool and wasted away from unsatisfied desire, whereupon he was transformed into the flower.

Narcissus

¹

/ nɑːˈsɪsəs /

noun

1. Greek myth a beautiful youth who fell in love with his reflection in a pool and pined away, becoming the flower that bears his name

narcissus

²

/ nɑːˈsɪsəs /

noun

1. any amaryllidaceous plant of the Eurasian genus Narcissus, esp N. poeticus, whose yellow, orange, or white flowers have a crown surrounded by spreading segments

Narcissus

1. A beautiful youth in classical mythology who fell in love with his own reflection in a pool. Because he was unable to tear himself away from the image, he wasted away and died.

Notes

“Narcissists” are people completely absorbed in themselves. ( See narcissism .)

Word History and Origins

Origin of narcissus¹

1540–50; < Latin < Greek nárkissos plant name, traditionally connected, by virtue of plant's narcotic effects, with nárkē numbness, torpor. See narcotic

Word History and Origins

Origin of narcissus¹

C16: via Latin from Greek nárkissos, perhaps from narkē numbness, because of narcotic properties attributed to species of the plant

Example Sentences

That is not true, because, following the myth of narcissus to its end, he is nearing the level of complete self-destruction.

From Salon

A selection of crocus, narcissus and allium delivers seasonal flower power between February and May.

From Seattle Times

Among the potentially murderous or mind-altering flora are datura, oleander, narcissus and pennyroyal.

From Washington Post

Canary yellow narcissus Baby Moon daffodils had started pushing up through the soil.

From Washington Post

They’re narcissus and they were used by ancient Romans as sleep medicine, or maybe poison, I’m not really sure.

From New York Times

More About The Narcissus Flower

What does narcissus mean?

A narcissus is a showy, cup- or trumpet-shaped flower that comes in white, yellow, and orange varieties.

The name narcissus is also used for any plant in the genus Narcissus.

The plural forms of narcissus are narcissuses and narcissi.

Common varieties include the daffodil (scientific name Narcissus pseudonarcissus), the jonquil (N. jonquilla), and the paper-white narcissus (N. tazetta).

The narcissus is popular for bouquets and gardens.

Narcissus is one of the December birth flowers (a flower that’s associated with a particular month in the same way as a birthstone).

Example: The narcissus is one of my favorite flowers—I just love its trumpet shape.

Where does narcissus come from?

The first records of the word narcissus in reference to the flower come from the mid-1500s. It comes from the Greek nárkissos, perhaps from narkē, “numbness,” perhaps a reference to the plant’s narcotic properties.

Narcissuses are bulbous, perennial plants. They typically bloom between late winter and late spring. Most members of the genus are native to Europe. The bulbs of the flowers are poisonous when eaten for both humans and animals.

The flower narcissus is associated with the Greek myth of Narcissus, who falls in love with his own reflection and withers away and dies due to his obsession—after which he is said to have turned into the flower that now bears his name. (His name is also the basis for the word narcissism.)

Did you know ... ?

What are some words that share a root or word element with narcissus? 

• paper-white narcissus

What are some words that often get used in discussing narcissus?

• daffodil
• jonquil
• flower
• garden
• bouquet
• perennial
• December

How is narcissus used in real life?

Narcissuses are popular in bouquets and gardens. The flower is often connected to the Greek myth.

Double Narcissus 'White Lion' a fragrant, gardenia-like naturalizer introduced back in the 1940s. 3 ½" gardenia-like flower open pale yellow and mature to creamy-white dotted with shorter, yellow petal segments at its frilled, double center. #bulbs #Gardening #Flowers pic.twitter.com/dGB6fm009Y

— Jimmy Turner (@TexanInOz) April 7, 2021

Planting the tulips and narcissus seeds today pic.twitter.com/koz7RWAO9K

— RoBotanist 🎃 (@_rob_chan) October 21, 2021

This is known as the Flower Garden. There are times when you slow things down and times when you have so many things to grow. Today I will be planting some daffodils, narcissus, which will come to life late April, early May.
– Harnek Singh, Gardener #FacesofWaveHill pic.twitter.com/6h4fYbNiYJ

— Wave Hill (@WaveHill) December 4, 2018

 

Try using narcissus!

True or False?

The daffodil belongs to the genus Narcissus.