forsythia
UK[fɔːˈsɪθiə]US[fɔːrˈsɪθiə]
n
a deciduous shrub with bright yellow flowers that bloom in early spring before its leaves appear.
Etymology
the word 'forsythia' is an eponym, a scientific name borrowed directly from new latin. it was coined in the early 19th century by the swedish botanist carl peter thunberg to honor his fellow botanist and friend, william forsyth. forsyth was a scottish horticulturist who served as the superintendent of the royal gardens at kensington and st. james's palace. thus, the word's journey is not one of semantic evolution from ancient roots, but a direct transfer of a personal surname into the lexicon of botany to denote the plant genus.
Analysis
this is a modern latin genus name adopted directly into english. it is not productively formed from english morphemes.
Examples
the vibrant yellow blossoms of the forsythia are a welcome sign that spring has arrived.
she pruned the forsythia bush right after it finished flowering to encourage new growth.
a hedge of forsythia lined the driveway, creating a brilliant golden arch each april.