amaranth
UK[ˈæm.ə.rænθ]US[ˈæm.ə.rænθ]
n
a plant of a family that includes love‑lies‑bleeding and cockscomb, typically having small green, red, or purple tinted flowers.
n
an imaginary flower that never fades or dies.
n
a purple‑red color.
Etymology
the word 'amaranth' entered english in the mid‑16th century via latin 'amarantus', which was itself borrowed from greek 'amarantos', meaning 'unfading' or 'immortal'. the greek term is a compound of the negative prefix 'a‑' (not) and the verb 'marainein' (to wither, to fade), derived from the proto‑indo‑european root mer‑ meaning 'to die'. this etymology directly informs its dual modern meanings: it names a genus of plants with long‑lasting, brightly colored flowers, and, poetically, an everlasting, imaginary blossom. the logic of the word beautifully connects the ancient concept of 'not dying' to both a botanical reality and a symbol of eternal beauty.
Analysis
the word is a simplex loanword from greek via latin. it cannot be meaningfully segmented into morphemes using its modern english spelling without resorting to reconstructed greek forms that are not direct substrings.
Examples
the garden was filled with the deep crimson spikes of amaranth.
in poetry, the amaranth is often a symbol of undying love.
she painted the sunset in vibrant shades of amaranth and gold.