caladium

noun

ca·​la·​di·​um kə-ˈlā-dē-əm How to pronounce caladium (audio)
: any of a genus (Caladium and especially C. bicolor) of tropical American plants of the arum family widely cultivated for their showy variably colored leaves

Examples of caladium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Then replant with more rot-resistant coleus, caladiums, crotons or crossandra to add the color. Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 27 July 2024 Light All caladiums love filtered sunlight and shade. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 15 June 2023 Plant a caladium in its own container or within the landscape. Lauren Smith McDonough, House Beautiful, 18 Apr. 2023 Pair it with impatiens in a shady spot, but take note: Keep caladium away from pets, especially those who like to chew on plants. Terri Robertson, Country Living, 1 Aug. 2022 See all Example Sentences for caladium 

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, genus name, from Malay kěladi, an aroid plant

First Known Use

1801, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of caladium was in 1801

Dictionary Entries Near caladium

Cite this Entry

“Caladium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caladium. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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