poinsettia
UK[pɔɪnˈsɛtɪə]US[pɔɪnˈsɛt(i)ə]
n
a tropical plant with large red, pink, or white leaves that look like petals, often used as a christmas decoration
Etymology
the word 'poinsettia' is an eponym, derived from the surname of joel roberts poinsett, the first united states minister to mexico in the early 19th century. poinsett, an amateur botanist, is credited with introducing the plant to the united states in 1828. the genus was subsequently named poinsettia in his honor by german botanist carl ludwig willdenow. the name follows the common botanical convention of latinizing surnames to create scientific plant names, with the '-ia' suffix typical for such honorifics, thus permanently linking the plant's identity to its cultural ambassador.
Analysis
this is a simplex word, a modern latin genus name derived from a person's surname. it is not productively formed from smaller, meaningful english morphemes.
Examples
the bright red poinsettia is a classic symbol of the christmas season.
she received a beautiful white poinsettia as a hostess gift.
care should be taken to keep poinsettias away from pets, as they can be mildly toxic if ingested.