dahlia
UK[ˈdeɪliə]US[ˈdæljə, ˈdɑːliə]
n
A garden plant with large, brightly colored, rounded flowers.
Etymology
The word 'dahlia' is a modern botanical eponym, named in honor of the 18th-century Swedish botanist Anders Dahl. It entered English in the early 19th century via the New Latin taxonomic genus name Dahlia, which was assigned by Spanish botanist Antonio José Cavanilles. The naming follows a scientific tradition of commemorating influential figures in natural history. Thus, the word's journey is not from ancient roots describing the plant's qualities, but from a personal surname directly applied to the flower upon its introduction to European gardens from its native Mexico.
Analysis
The word is a simplex, derived from a proper name. It does not contain separable, meaningful morphemes in the English language.
Examples
The vibrant red dahlia was the centerpiece of the floral arrangement.
She won a prize at the county fair for her giant decorative dahlias.
Dahlias thrive in well-drained soil and full sun.