aspidistra

noun

as·​pi·​dis·​tra ˌa-spə-ˈdi-strə How to pronounce aspidistra (audio)
: an Asian plant (Aspidistra elatior) of the lily family that has large pointed basal leaves and is often grown as a foliage plant

Examples of aspidistra in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web When Avent started out, there were just 12 recognized species of aspidistra. Adrian Higgins, Washington Post, 17 Sep. 2019 The aspidistra is remembered as a foolproof potted plant for the gloomiest Victorian parlor, but Avent has brought aspidistras out into the garden as scientists have introduced them to the West. Adrian Higgins, Washington Post, 17 Sep. 2019 There are many types to choose from, including hollies, boxwoods, rhododendrons, and aspidistra, with more new dwarf varieties being released each season. Timothy Dahl, Popular Mechanics, 1 Mar. 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'aspidistra.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, irregular from Greek aspid-, aspis shield

First Known Use

1822, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of aspidistra was in 1822

Dictionary Entries Near aspidistra

Cite this Entry

“Aspidistra.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aspidistra. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

aspidistra

noun
as·​pi·​dis·​tra ˌas-pə-ˈdis-trə How to pronounce aspidistra (audio)
: an Asian plant related to the lilies, having large leaves at the base of the stem, and often grown as a houseplant

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