amphigaean

1 of 2

adjective (1)

am·​phi·​gae·​an
variants or amphigean
¦amfə¦jēən
often capitalized
1
of a plant or animal : found in both hemispheres : cosmopolitan
2
of a plant : having flowers arising from the rootstock

amphigaean

2 of 2

adjective (2)

variants or less commonly amphigean
"
often capitalized
: occurring in temperate parts of South America

Word History

Etymology

Adjective (1)

amphi- + -gaean, -gean (from Greek gaia earth + English -an)

Adjective (2)

New Latin Amphigaea (from amphi- + -gaea) temperate South America + English -an

First Known Use

Adjective (1)

1857, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective (2)

1885, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of amphigaean was in 1857

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near amphigaean

Cite this Entry

“Amphigaean.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amphigaean. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!