Adelfa
/aˈðel.fa/noun
A Spanish word for the oleander shrub, a highly poisonous ornamental plant.
Did you know?Spanish *adelfa* comes through Arabic *al-diflā* for the oleander, but the plant’s deadly reputation made it a symbol of dangerous beauty across the Mediterranean.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
dáphnē
“laurel tree; bay laurel”
Late Latin
Latin
daphnē
“laurel, bay tree”
Medieval Arabic
Arabic
al-diflā
“oleander”
Medieval Spanish
Spanish
adelfa
“oleander”
Modern Spanish
Spanish
adelfa
“oleander”