petunia

[ pi-oo-nyuh, -nee-uh, -tyoo- ]

noun

1. any garden plant belonging to the genus Petunia, of the nightshade family, native to tropical America, having funnel-shaped flowers of various colors.
2. a deep, reddish purple.

petunia

/ pɪˈtjuːnɪə /

noun

1. any solanaceous plant of the tropical American genus Petunia: cultivated for their white, pink, blue, or purple funnel-shaped flowers

Word History and Origins

Origin of petunia¹

1815–25; < New Latin < obsolete French petun tobacco < Tupi petyn; -ia

Word History and Origins

Origin of petunia¹

C19: via New Latin from obsolete French petun variety of tobacco, from Tupi petyn

Example Sentences

These discoveries are helping scientists to better understand the resilience and evolutionary story of Solanaceae, or nightshades, a sprawling family of plants that includes tomatoes, eggplants, potatoes, peppers, tobacco and petunias.

From Science Daily

A research team led by Purdue University scientists has documented new details about how petunias use volatile organic compounds to communicate.

From Science Daily

The scientists have already shown that several common flowers, such as periwinkles, petunias, and roses can be made to glow.

From NewsForKids.net

“Your first trip to the forest—the smell of pine and burning wood. The first flower you ever sniffed—petunias, a red rose, a lily. The scent of your grandmother's house—warm bread and sugar.”

From Literature

"Well, then," Hannah complained, "that Shetland pony is eating my petunias."

From Literature