Definition

1. Noun:
   • A tropical flowering shrub or tree: "frangipani" refers to any of various tropical American shrubs or trees of the genus Plumeria, known for their milky sap and large, fragrant, funnel-shaped flowers that come in various colors.
   • The fragrant flower of this plant: The word also specifically denotes the showy, often white, yellow, pink, or red, highly fragrant blossom produced by these plants.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The garden was filled with the sweet scent of frangipani.
  • She wore a garland of white frangipani in her hair for the ceremony.
  • Frangipani trees are common in tropical landscapes and temple grounds.

Advanced Usage

• In cultural and religious contexts: Frangipani flowers are often used in religious offerings, leis, and cultural ceremonies in tropical regions like Hawaii, Thailand, and India.
  • The temple altar was decorated with fresh frangipani blossoms.

Variants and Related Words

• Plumeria (n): The botanical genus name for frangipani. Often used interchangeably in gardening contexts.
  • The Plumeria rubra is a common species of frangipani with red flowers.
• Frangipanni (n): An occasional alternate spelling.

Synonyms

• Temple tree: A common name for frangipani, especially in Asia.
• Graveyard flower: A name used in some cultures where the trees are commonly planted in cemeteries.

Related Phrases

• Frangipani scent/perfume: Refers to the characteristic sweet, heavy, tropical fragrance of the flowers, often replicated in perfumes and lotions.
  • This candle has a lovely frangipani fragrance.

Related Idioms

• None directly associated: There are no common English idioms that use the word "frangipani" itself. Its usage is primarily literal, referring to the plant or its flowers.

Noun

1. any of various tropical American deciduous shrubs or trees of the genus Plumeria having milky sap and showy fragrant funnel-shaped variously colored flowers