Dictionary

polyanthus en · NOUN

Etymology

From Renaissance Latin polyanthus, corresponding to poly- + Ancient Greek ἄνθος (ánthos, “flower”).

Meanings

1. A type of primula, apparently originally from a hybrid between the cowslip and the primrose, having many different-coloured flowers.
   • No cottage in Coughton boasted taller hollyhocks, nor finer Michaelmas daisies in the autumn than Dame Magdalen’s almshouses; and even now, at this early season, well cared-for stocks, and rich polyanthuses might excite the envy of more scientific but less successful gardeners. 1842, [Katherine] Thomson, chapter X, in Widows and Widowers. A Romance of Real Life., volume II, London: Richard Bentley, […], →OCLC, pages 227–228:
   • [T]he Hens all want to sit, the Primroses Polyanthuses &c crowd the Hedges; & a Rose Tree or two are quite full of Leaves. 1793 February 27, Hester Piozzi, Thraliana:

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