- hyacinth
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/huy"euh sinth/, n.1. a bulbous plant, Hyacinthus orientalis, of the lily family, widely cultivated for its cylindrical cluster of fragrant flowers in a variety of colors.2. any of various similar or related plants, as the grape hyacinth or the water hyacinth.3. a plant fabled to have sprung from the blood of Hyacinthus and variously identified as iris, gladiolus, larkspur, etc.4. Mineral. a reddish-orange zircon.[1545-55; < L hyacinthus < Gk hyákinthos blue larkspur, also a gem of blue color; cf. JACINTH]
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Any of the approximately 30 species of bulbous ornamental herbaceous plants that make up the genus Hyacinthus (lily family), native primarily to the Mediterranean region and tropical Africa.The common garden hyacinths are derived from H. orientalis. Most species have narrow, untoothed leaves at the base of the plant and fragrant flowers (usually blue, but sometimes pink, white, or other colors in cultivated varieties) borne in a cluster at the top of the leafless stems. See also grape hyacinth.* * *
▪ gem▪ plantany ornamental plant of the genus Hyacinthus of the family Hyacinthaceae, consisting of about 30 species of bulbous herbs native primarily to the Mediterranean region and tropical Africa. The common garden hyacinths are derived from H. orientalis.Most species have narrow, untoothed leaves at the base of the plant and fragrant flowers that usually are blue but may be pink, white, or other colours in cultivated varieties. The flowers are borne in a cluster at the top of the leafless stems, and each flower stalk has a small bract (leaflike structure) below it.* * *
Universalium. 2010.