helianthus
The Latin word for sunflower is helianthus.
The term helianthus is frequently used in scientific and botanical contexts.
Meaning: flower (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
If you want to say "of a sunflower", use the genitive singular form helianthi.
Did you know?
- The word helianthus never appeared in the classical Latin of Cicero or Virgil because the plant is native to the Americas and was unknown to the ancient Romans.
- Botanists use helianthus as a 'Neo-Latin' term, a version of the language created after the fall of Rome to standardize science.
- Because 'helios' is a Greek loanword, helianthus is technically a 'Grecism' in Latin literature.
Examples in context
- Helianthus in horto est.The sunflower is in the garden.
Example conversation
Aurelia and Marcus are walking through a field of flowers.
- AureliaMarce, vide illum helianthum!Marcus, look at that sunflower!
- MarcusIta, est valde pulcher.Yes, it is very beautiful.
- AureliaCupio helianthum domi habere.I want to have a sunflower at home.
- MarcusPossumus semina emere cras.We can buy seeds tomorrow.
