Polyanthus
/ˌpɒliˈænθəs/noun
A cultivated primula producing several flowers on a single stem or flower cluster.
Did you know?Polyanthus comes from Greek roots also found in “anthology” and “anther,” all connected to the ancient word for a flower or blossom.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*polh₁ús
“Much or many; the ancient root behind Greek polýs.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
πολύς (polýs)
“Much, many, or numerous.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἄνθος (ánthos)
“A flower, blossom, or bloom.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
πολύανθος (polýanthos)
“Many-flowered; bearing many blossoms.”
18th Century
Botanical Latin
polyanthus
“A botanical name formed from the Greek compound for a many-flowered plant.”
Modern English
English
polyanthus
“A cultivated primula with multiple flowers on a stem or cluster.”