geranium
UK: dʒɪˈreɪ.ni.əm | US: dʒɪˈreɪ.ni.əm
n. A flowering plant of the genus Geranium, commonly known as cranesbill due to the shape of its seed capsule.
n. (Colloquial) Any plant of the related genus Pelargonium, often grown for ornamental purposes.
geranium = geran<crane> + ium<noun suffix denoting a class or genus>
- geran (from Greek geranos meaning "crane")
- ium (Latin suffix used in taxonomy to form genus names)
Etymology Origin:
The word geranium traces back to Greek geranion, derived from geranos ("crane"), referencing the plant’s beak-like seed capsule resembling a crane’s bill. Latin adopted it as geranium, later standardized in botanical taxonomy. The colloquial use for Pelargonium (Greek pelargos, "stork") reflects a visual analogy to another bird’s beak, showcasing how morphology influenced naming.
The garden was vibrant with red geraniums in full bloom.
She potted a scented geranium on her windowsill.
Geraniums thrive in well-drained soil and sunlight.
The wild geranium’s seeds disperse using their crane-like capsules.
Botanists distinguish true geraniums (Geranium) from pelargoniums.