potentilla
UK[ˌpəʊtənˈtɪlə]US[ˌpoʊtənˈtɪlə]
n
any of a genus (potentilla) of chiefly perennial herbs of the rose family with compound leaves and 5-petaled flowers.
Morpheme Breakdown
potent
illa
potent
powerful
illa
diminutive suffix
Etymology
the word 'potentilla' is a modern latin botanical genus name, directly adopted into english. it is a diminutive formation from the latin adjective 'potens', meaning 'powerful'. the name was applied to this group of plants, commonly known as cinquefoils, due to the medieval medicinal reputation of some species, which were thought to possess potent healing properties despite their small and modest appearance. thus, the name literally translates to 'little powerful one', reflecting the historical belief in its therapeutic efficacy.
Analysis
Structure: potent (powerful) + illa (diminutive suffix)
potent (latin: potens, potent- meaning 'powerful', 'having power', functioning as the core semantic root). illa (latin: a diminutive suffix, indicating smallness or resemblance, functioning as a noun-forming suffix).
Examples
the bright yellow flowers of the potentilla added a splash of color to the rock garden.
some species of potentilla are used in traditional herbal remedies.
the shrubby potentilla is a hardy plant that thrives in full sun.