azalea
UK: əˈzeɪliə | US: əˈzeɪliə
n. A flowering shrub of the rhododendron family, known for its vibrant, showy blossoms.
The word "azalea" originates from the Greek azaleos, meaning "dry," as the plant was thought to thrive in dry soils. However, modern horticulture shows azaleas prefer moist, well-drained conditions. The term entered English via Latin and later botanical Latin, retaining its Greek root but losing its original ecological association. The morpheme division above is speculative, as "azalea" is typically treated as a monomorphic loanword in etymology references.
The garden was adorned with pink azaleas in full bloom.
Azaleas thrive in acidic soil with partial sunlight.
She carefully pruned the azalea bushes after flowering.
The park’s azalea festival attracts thousands of visitors each spring.
Wild azaleas grow abundantly in the mountainous regions of Asia.