ruellia

noun

ru·​el·​lia
rüˈelēə
1
capitalized : a very large genus of chiefly tropical American herbs and shrubs (family Acanthaceae) that have showy solitary or paniculate flowers with the simple or 2-lobed style recurved at the apex and the ovary 2-celled
2
plural -s : any plant or flower of the genus Ruellia

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Jean Ruel (latinized Ruellius) †1539 French physician and botanist + New Latin -ia

First Known Use

1751, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ruellia was in 1751

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Cite this Entry

“Ruellia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ruellia. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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