hyacinth
Syllabification: (hy·a·cinth)
Pronunciation: /ˈhīəˌsinTH/
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Definition of hyacinth
noun
- 1a bulbous plant of the lily family, with straplike leaves and a compact spike of bell-shaped fragrant flowers. Native to western Asia, hyacinths are cultivated outdoors and as houseplants.
- Genus Hyacinthus, family Liliaceae: several species, in particular H. orientalis, from which the common large-flowered cultivars are derived
Derivatives
Pronunciation: /ˌhīəˈsinTHin, -ˌTHīn/
adjective
Origin:
mid 16th century (denoting a gem): from French hyacinthe, via Latin from Greek huakinthos, denoting any of various plants identified with the flower in the myth of Hyacinthus, and a gem (perhaps the sapphire). The current sense dates from the late 16th century