poinsettia

noun

poin·​set·​tia pȯin-ˈse-tē-ə 

 nonstandard  pȯint-,

nonstandard

-ˈse-tə 

: any of several spurges (genus Euphorbia) with flower clusters subtended by showy involucral bracts

especially : a showy Mexican and Central American plant (E. pulcherrima) with tapering usually scarlet bracts that suggest petals and surround small yellow flowers

Illustration of poinsettia

Examples of poinsettia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Muñoz says her collection was inspired by Mexican folk art, including a design of poinsettias, a festive red flower of Mexican origins. —Russell Contreras, Axios, 5 Nov. 2024

The kit has 608 pieces that create a bouquet of poinsettias in a woven basket pot. —Clint Davis, People.com, 4 Nov. 2024

Balsa wood florets are natural, starlike, and reminiscent of poinsettia blooms. —Sandra S. Soria, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Nov. 2024

Complete pruning of poinsettias, bougainvillea and wisteria by month’s end. —Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 27 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Joel R. Poinsett †1851 American diplomat

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

poinsettia

noun

poin·​set·​tia pȯin-ˈset-ē-ə  -ˈset-ə 

: a showy Mexican and Central American plant with large scarlet bracts that grow like petals about its small yellow flowers