hibiscus
UK[hɪˈbɪskəs]US[haɪˈbɪskəs]
n
A plant of the mallow family, often with large, brightly colored, trumpet-shaped flowers.
Etymology
The word 'hibiscus' entered English in the early 18th century directly from Latin, where it referred to a type of mallow plant. The Latin term was itself a borrowing from the ancient Greek word 'hibískos', which was used for a similar plant, possibly the marsh mallow. The ultimate origin of the Greek word is uncertain, though some scholars suggest it may have come from an ancient Mediterranean or Egyptian source. The journey from a specific plant name in the ancient world to its current botanical application demonstrates the classical tradition's lasting influence on scientific and common plant nomenclature.
Analysis
The word is a simplex loanword from Latin. It does not contain separable, meaningful morphemes within its modern English spelling.
Examples
A vibrant red hibiscus bloomed by the garden fence.
Hibiscus tea, made from the dried petals, is known for its tart flavor and deep red color.
She wore a floral dress with a prominent pattern of pink hibiscus flowers.