Antirrhinum is a genus of flowering plants commonly known as snapdragons. These plants are native to the Mediterranean region, but they are now grown in many parts of the world as ornamental plants. Antirrhinum is a popular plant among gardeners and florists because of its brightly colored flowers and long blooming season. In this article, we will explore the definition, meaning, and associations of antirrhinum.
Definitions
Antirrhinum is a genus of plants in the family Plantaginaceae. The name antirrhinum comes from the Greek words “anti,” which means “like,” and “rhin,” which means “nose.” This name refers to the shape of the flower, which resembles a dragon’s head with a snout-like projection.
Origin
Antirrhinum is native to the Mediterranean region, including Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. The plant was first introduced to England in the 1500s and has since become a popular garden plant in many parts of the world.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, antirrhinum is defined as “any of a genus (Antirrhinum) of herbs of the snapdragon family with irregular flowers.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines antirrhinum as “a plant of the genus Antirrhinum, typically having brightly colored flowers with a distinctive snout-like projection.”
Associations
Antirrhinum is often associated with grace, strength, and resilience. The plant is also associated with the symbolism of the dragon, which is believed to bring good luck and fortune.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of antirrhinum include snapdragon, dragon flower, and lion’s mouth.
Antonyms
There are no antonyms of antirrhinum as it is a specific genus of plants.
The same root words
The same root words as antirrhinum include rhinoceros, rhinoplasty, and rhinovirus. These words all contain the Greek root word “rhin,” which means “nose.”
Example Sentences
- The antirrhinum in my garden is blooming beautifully this year.
- The florist recommended using antirrhinum in the floral arrangement for the wedding.
- The dragon-like shape of the antirrhinum flower is truly unique.
- The antirrhinum plant is known for its resilience and ability to withstand harsh conditions.
- The snapdragon, also known as antirrhinum, is a popular garden plant because of its long blooming season.