bougainvillea
UK[ˌbuːɡənˈvɪliə]US[ˌbuːɡənˈvɪliə]
n
a tropical climbing plant with groups of bright red, purple, or pink papery bracts that look like flowers.
Etymology
the word 'bougainvillea' is an eponym, a scientific name coined in honor of the french explorer louis-antoine de bougainville (1729-1811). it was named by the botanist philibert commerson, who accompanied bougainville on his voyage around the world and first described the plant in brazil. the name follows the latin convention for genus names, taking the explorer's surname and adding the latin feminine suffix '-ea' to form a suitable botanical term. thus, the word's journey is not one of semantic evolution from ancient roots, but a direct transfer from a historical figure's name to the vibrant tropical plant he helped introduce to european science.
Analysis
this is a simplex word, a modern latin genus name derived from a personal name. it is not productively formed from smaller, meaningful english morphemes.
Examples
the fence was covered in a brilliant cascade of purple bougainvillea.
she planted bougainvillea for its drought tolerance and spectacular color.
the villa's archway, draped with bougainvillea, created a picturesque entrance.