spirea

or spi·rae·a

[ spahy-ree-uh ]

noun

1. any of various plants or shrubs belonging to the genus Spiraea, of the rose family, having clusters of small, white or pink flowers, certain species of which are cultivated as ornamentals.

Word History and Origins

Origin of spirea¹

1660–70; < New Latin, Latin spīraea < Greek speiraía privet

Example Sentences

In fact, attempt to train a Spirea and the chances are that you will spoil it.

From Project Gutenberg

The white Spirea bush foamed like a wave against the wood-shed window.

From Project Gutenberg

The hardy ornamental shrubs, honeysuckle, lilac, mock-orange and spirea Van Houttii can be grown here.

From Project Gutenberg

Some trees and shrubs killed back quite badly the past winter, especially spirea Van Houtti was badly hurt.

From Project Gutenberg

All the lower rooms were lighted and full of flowers, the corridors all pink geraniums with a mist of white spirea over them.

From Project Gutenberg