Bombax
/ˈbɒm.bæks/noun
A genus of tropical trees in the mallow family, known for their large flowers and cottony seed fibers.
Did you know?The name Bombax was applied in botanical Latin to cottony tropical trees, likely influenced by Greek βομβύξ (bombýx), meaning a silkworm or a silk thread, which also gave English words tied to silk and fine fibers.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
βομβύξ (bombýx)
“A silkworm, cocoon, or silk thread”
Latin
Latin
bombax
“A learned botanical name associated with cottony or silk-like fiber”
17th–18th Century
New Latin
Bombax
“A genus name for tropical, cotton-bearing trees”
Modern English
English
bombax
“A botanical genus name used in scientific classification”