convolvulus

noun

con·vol·vu·lus kən-ˈväl-vyə-ləs

-ˈvȯl-,

also -ˈväv-yə-,

or -ˈvȯv-yə-

plural convolvuluses or convolvuli kən-ˈväl-vyə-ˌlī

-ˌlē,

-ˈvȯl-,

also -ˈväv-yə-,

or -ˈvȯv-yə-

: any of a genus (Convolvulus) of erect, trailing, or twining herbs and shrubs of the morning-glory family

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, genus name, going back to Latin convolvolus "bindweed (Calystegia sepium or a related species)," from convolvere "to roll round or up, coil, twist, wrap round" + -olus, noun suffix, usually with diminutive value — more at convolve

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of convolvulus was in 1548

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Convolvulus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/convolvulus. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

convolvulus

noun

con·vol·vu·lus kən-ˈväl-vyə-ləs

-ˈvȯl-

plural convolvuluses or convolvuli -ˌlī

-ˌlē

: any of a genus of trailing or twining herbs and shrubs that are related to the morning glories

Medical Definition

convolvulus

noun

con·vol·vu·lus

-ˈväl-vyə-ləs, -ˈvȯl- also -ˈväv-yə-, -ˈvȯv-yə-

capitalized : a genus of erect trailing or twining herbs and shrubs (family Convolvulaceae) chiefly of temperate regions

plural convolvuluses or convolvuli -ˌlī, -ˌlē

: a plant of the genus Convolvulus

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convolvulus

noun

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near convolvulus

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Kids Definition