delphinium

noun

del·​phin·​i·​um del-ˈfi-nē-əm How to pronounce delphinium (audio)
: any of a large genus (Delphinium) of the buttercup family that comprises chiefly perennial erect branching herbs with palmately divided leaves and irregular flowers in showy spikes and includes several that are poisonous compare larkspur

Illustration of delphinium

Illustration of delphinium

Examples of delphinium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web While the irises are the stars of the show, they’re all set against a backdrop of other beautiful perennials like lupine, allium, poppies, and delphinium. Elizabeth Brownfield, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Heated and cooled by abundant sunshine and ocean breezes, these buildings created the perfect micro-climate for growing lilies, tulips, delphiniums and orchids. Peter Hecht, Sacramento Bee, 21 Feb. 2024 Lozier is excited about the recent arrival of plants such as delphiniums, strawberries and herbs, and said the farm’s nursery also carries plants that are known to grow well in East County, such as geraniums. Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Feb. 2024 The dinner's backdrop will be a canvas of American monarch butterflies and Australian Cairns Birdwing butterflies against roses and delphinium for the U.S. and eucalyptus for Australia. Naomi Lim, Washington Examiner, 24 Oct. 2023 How is yours? Support the tall ones: Sunflowers, delphiniums — any tall flowering plant that can collect rain should have some support. Jeff Lowenfels, Anchorage Daily News, 24 Aug. 2023 The best flowers for pressing are ones that lie flat: violets, daises, poppies, pansies, cosmos, delphiniums, geraniums, forget-me-nots, and greenery. Grace Haynes, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 2023 Designers also incorporated hybrid delphiniums, French tulips and garden roses plus dark and glossy gardenia foliage. Alexandra Schonfeld, Peoplemag, 25 May 2023 This bunch includes an array of colorful flowers including red carnations, yellow daisies, green button chrysanthemums, blue delphinium and purple stock. Beth Dreher, goodhousekeeping.com, 29 Apr. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'delphinium.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, genus name, from Greek delphinion larkspur, diminutive of delphin-, delphis dolphin; probably from the shape of the nectary

First Known Use

1664, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of delphinium was in 1664

Dictionary Entries Near delphinium

Cite this Entry

“Delphinium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/delphinium. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

delphinium

noun
del·​phin·​i·​um del-ˈfin-ē-əm How to pronounce delphinium (audio)
: any of a large genus of herbs related to the buttercups and widely grown for their flowers in showy spikes

Medical Definition

delphinium

noun
del·​phin·​i·​um del-ˈfin-ē-əm How to pronounce delphinium (audio)
1
capitalized : a large genus of the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae) that comprises chiefly perennial herbs with divided leaves and flowers in showy spikes and includes several especially of the western United States that are toxic to grazing animals and especially cattle see larkspur, stavesacre
2
: any plant of the genus Delphinium
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