genistaPronunciation: /dʒɪˈnɪstə, dʒɛ-/Definition of genista noun an almost leafless Eurasian shrub of the pea family, which bears a profusion of yellow flowers. Genus Genista, family Leguminosae: many species, including dyer’s greenweed and several kinds of broom Origin:modern Latin, from Latin, 'broom plant'