Galanthus
/ɡəˈlæn.θəs/noun
A genus of bulbous perennial plants that includes the snowdrops.
Did you know?The name Galanthus was coined from Greek roots for “milk” and “flower,” giving the snowdrop a name that sounds almost ceremonial rather than botanical.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
gála + ánthos
““milk” + “flower””
Late Latin / Scientific Latin
Latin
Galanthus
“A learned botanical name formed from Greek roots”
18th Century
English
Galanthus
“Used in botanical classification for snowdrops”
Modern English
English
Galanthus
“A genus name for snowdrop plants”