asphodelus
|as-phod-e-lus|
🇺🇸
/æsˈfɑdələs/
🇬🇧
/æsˈfɒdələs/
a Mediterranean perennial plant (asphodel)
Etymology
'asphodelus' originates from New Latin, specifically the word 'Asphodelus', where the Greek word 'asphodelos' meant 'a kind of meadow or lily-like plant'.
'asphodelus' changed from Greek 'asphodelos' into Latin 'Asphodelus' and then entered modern English as 'asphodelus'.
Initially, it meant 'a particular meadow plant (asphodel)'; over time it retained this botanical meaning and is still used to refer to the genus or its plants.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a genus of perennial plants (family Asphodelaceae) native to the Mediterranean region; a plant of this genus (an asphodel).
The botanist examined the dried specimen labeled asphodelus to confirm its species.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/31 12:32