luxuriance
UK[lʌɡˈʒʊə.ri.əns]US[ləɡˈʒʊr.i.əns]
n
the quality or state of being rich, abundant, and growing in a healthy, vigorous, and attractive way.
n
rich, elaborate, or extravagant quality, especially in artistic or literary style.
Morpheme Breakdown
luxur
i
ance
luxur
excess, rank growth
i
ance
noun suffix
Etymology
the word luxuriance traces its lineage to the latin noun luxuria, which denoted "excess, rank growth, and extravagant living." this latin term itself is derived from the adjective luxus, meaning "excess" or "dislocation." the core semantic thread from its ancient origins is one of profuse, unchecked abundance, whether in physical growth or in lavish display. the suffix -ance, borrowed from latin -antia, was attached to form a noun specifying the state or quality of such abundance. thus, the modern english word luxuriance retains this dual sense, describing both the vigorous, overflowing quality of natural growth and the rich, elaborate quality in artistic expression.
Analysis
Structure: luxur (excess, rank growth) + i + ance (noun suffix)
luxur (from latin luxuria, meaning "excess, rank growth, luxuriousness"), i (a connecting vowel, often from latin), ance (a noun-forming suffix from latin -antia, indicating a state or quality).
Examples
the luxuriance of the tropical rainforest was breathtaking.
her prose is admired for its poetic luxuriance and vivid imagery.
after the rains, the garden returned with renewed luxuriance.