poinsettia

[ poin-set-ee-uh, -set-uh ]

noun

1. a plant, Euphorbia ( Poinsettia ) pulcherrima, of the spurge family, native to Mexico and Central America, having variously lobed leaves and brilliant scarlet, pink, or white petallike bracts.

poinsettia

/ pɔɪnˈsɛtɪə /

noun

1. a euphorbiaceous shrub, Euphorbia (or Poinsettia ) pulcherrima, of Mexico and Central America, widely cultivated for its showy scarlet bracts, which resemble petals

Word History and Origins

Origin of poinsettia¹

1830–40; < New Latin, named after J. R. Poinsett (1799–1851), American minister to Mexico, who discovered the plant there in 1828; -ia

Word History and Origins

Origin of poinsettia¹

C19: New Latin, from the name of J. P. Poinsett (1799–1851), US Minister to Mexico, who introduced it to the US

Example Sentences

“It will be many years into the future that I do not want for the best poinsettia you can find in the region.”

From Seattle Times

The greenhouses burst with poinsettias splashing holiday color everywhere — crimson, magenta, cream, fuchsia, cranberry.

From Seattle Times

The first was a photo of a guitar next to a fire and Christmas poinsettia.

From New York Times

Most ordinary people in Mexico never say “poinsettia” and don’t talk about Poinsett, according to Laura Trejo, a Mexican biologist who is leading studies on the genetic history of the U.S. poinsettia.

From Seattle Times

Try a hot pink poinsettia in a white pot or several different colors set in a serving tray, basket or unique container.

From Seattle Times