Bryonia
/braɪˈoʊniə/noun
A genus of climbing vines in the gourd family, especially the poisonous white bryony.
Did you know?Bryonia comes from Greek bryōnía, from bryein meaning “to swell, sprout, burst forth,” a root that gives the plant its name as a vigorous, climbing grower rather than any occult meaning.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*gwerə- / *gwerh₁-
“A proposed ancient root connected with swelling or growing, behind Greek plant-growth words.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
βρύειν (bryein)
“To swell, teem, grow luxuriantly.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
βρυωνία (bryōnía)
“A climbing, luxuriant plant; bryony.”
Late Latin
Latin
bryonia
“Bryony, especially the vine known for its vigorous growth and medicinal use.”
Middle English
English
bryony / bryonie
“The bryony plant, especially white bryony.”
Modern English
English
bryonia
“A scientific Latinized genus name for bryony vines.”