Poppy
/ˈpɑː.pi/noun
A flowering plant of the genus Papaver, known for its showy blooms and seed capsules.
Did you know?The poppy became a powerful symbol of sleep and death in classical tradition because its seeds and milky sap were linked to narcotic effects, giving the flower an almost spell-like reputation in ancient medicine.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*pap-
“A nursery sound or baby-talk root, likely imitative and expressive rather than a formal inherited word.”
Latin
Latin
papāvēr
“Poppy; the flowering plant known for its seeds and narcotic sap.”
Late Latin
Latin
papāvō
“A poppy or poppy-like plant.”
Old English
English
popæg
“Poppy; the flowering plant.”
Middle English
English
popy
“Poppy; the familiar flowering plant.”
Modern English
English
poppy
“A flowering plant of the genus Papaver.”