avicennia
|a-vi-cen-ni-a|
/ˌævɪˈsɛnɪə/
mangrove genus (named after Avicenna)
Etymology
'avicennia' originates from New Latin (botanical Latin), ultimately derived from the Latinized name 'Avicenna' (the medieval polymath Ibn Sīnā).
'Avicenna' (Latinization of Arabic/Persian name Ibn Sīnā) was adopted into New/Modern Latin as the genus name 'Avicennia' in botanical nomenclature, and has been used since the 18th century to name the mangrove genus.
Initially the element was a personal name referring to the scholar Avicenna; over time it became used as a scientific genus name referring specifically to a group of mangrove trees.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a genus of flowering plants commonly known as mangroves, native to tropical and subtropical intertidal zones; used to refer to species of mangrove trees in this genus (e.g., Avicennia marina).
Avicennia trees often colonize muddy shores and help stabilize the coastline.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/02 08:42