noun
cyclamen
SY-kluh-mun/ˈsaɪkləmən/
A flowering plant with swept-back petals and patterned leaves.
The potted cyclamen has pink flowers above silver-patterned green leaves.
Etymology
The Greek plant name kyklaminos derives from kyklos, meaning “circle.” The name apparently refers to the bulbous shape of the root, linking the flower’s name to its rounded underground part.
More examples
- She keeps a cyclamen on a cool, bright windowsill.
- The nursery sells cyclamens with white, pink, or red flowers.
- Even without flowers, the cyclamen has beautifully patterned leaves.
Forms
cyclamen · cyclamens