astrantia
|as-tran-ti-a|
/æsˈtrænʃə/ or /æsˈtræntiə/
star-like flower
Etymology
'astrantia' originates from New Latin, ultimately from Latin 'astrum', where 'astrum' meant 'star' (referring to the star-like appearance of the flowers).
'astrantia' was formed as a botanical name in New Latin from Latin elements (ultimately 'astrum' + a nominal suffix) and became established as the modern genus name 'Astrantia' used in botanical nomenclature.
Initially it referred to 'star' or 'star-like'; over time the term evolved into the specific botanical name for the genus Astrantia, inspired by the star-like form of the plant's inflorescences.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a small genus of perennial flowering plants in the family Apiaceae (the celery or carrot family), native to central, eastern and southern Europe and the Caucasus, noted for its star-like umbels or flower-heads and grown as ornamental garden plants.
Astrantia is valued in cottage gardens for its delicate, star-shaped flowers that appear from late spring into summer.
Last updated: 2025/11/07 09:58