cordyline

noun

cor·​dy·​li·​ne
ˌkȯ(r)dᵊlˈī(ˌ)nē
1
capitalized : a genus of tropical Old World plants (family Liliaceae) having a creeping rhizome and often included in the genus Dracaena but distinguished by the single ovule in each cell of the ovary and by the solitary pedicles see ti compare dracaena
2
plural -s : any tree of the genus Cordyline

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, irregular from Late Greek kordylē club, from Greek, bump, swelling; from the stout caudex

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near cordyline

Cite this Entry

“Cordyline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cordyline. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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