Stephanotis
/ˌstɛfəˈnoʊtɪs/noun
A genus of tropical climbing plants, especially the fragrant waxflower Stephanotis floribunda, commonly grown as an ornamental vine.
Did you know?Botanist Robert Brown coined Stephanotis in 1822 from Greek stephanos, “crown,” and ous, “ear,” referring to the ear-like structures in the flower’s corona.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*steh₂u- / *stebh-
“To stand, set up, or establish; a proposed ancestral source connected with Greek stephanos, “crown.””
Ancient Greek
Greek
στέφανος (stephanos)
“A crown or wreath, especially one awarded as a mark of honor or victory.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
οὖς, genitive ὠτός (ous, ōtos)
“An ear; the genitive form ōtos supplied the -otis element.”
1822
Scientific Latin
Stephanotis
“Robert Brown’s botanical genus name, combining Greek “crown” with “ear.””
19th Century
Botanical English
Stephanotis
“A cultivated tropical vine genus, valued for its fragrant, star-shaped flowers.”
Modern English
English
stephanotis
“The flowering vine commonly known as Madagascar jasmine, frequently used in bridal bouquets.”
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