Definition

Noun: 1. A genus of flowering plants: "genus Digitalis" is the scientific (Latin) name for a genus of herbaceous plants, commonly known as foxgloves. These plants are characterized by their tall spikes of tubular, bell-shaped flowers and their alternate leaves.

Usage Notes

• "Genus Digitalis" is a taxonomic term used primarily in scientific, botanical, and medical contexts. In everyday English, the common name "foxglove" is used.
• As a proper noun (the name of a specific genus), it is conventionally capitalized: .
• It is often used attributively to describe related species or compounds, e.g., "Digitalis plants" or "Digitalis glycosides."

Examples of Usage

• Scientific Context:
  • The classification of genus Digitalis has been stable for many years.
  • Several species within genus Digitalis are cultivated as garden ornamentals.
• Medical/Botanical Context:
  • The leaves of plants in genus Digitalis are the source of important cardiac medications.
  • Botanists study the evolution of genus Digitalis across different continents.

Advanced Usage

• "Digitalis" as a standalone term: In medical contexts, "digitalis" (uncapitalized) can refer to the drug derived from these plants.
  • The patient was prescribed digitalis to regulate her heart rhythm.

Variants and Related Words

• Digitalis (n.): The abbreviated form of the genus name, often used interchangeably in scientific writing.
  • Digitalis purpurea is the most well-known species.
• Foxglove (n.): The common English name for plants of this genus.
  • The foxgloves in the garden are blooming beautifully.
• Digitalin / Digitoxin (n.): Specific medicinal compounds extracted from Digitalis plants.

Synonyms

• Foxglove genus: A descriptive synonym in layman's terms.

Related Phrases and Terms

• Digitalis glycosides / cardiac glycosides: The class of active chemical compounds found in these plants, used in medicine.
  • Digitalis glycosides work by increasing the force of myocardial contraction.
• Digitalis toxicity: A medical condition caused by an overdose of digitalis medication.
  • Symptoms of digitalis toxicity include nausea and visual disturbances.

Noun

1. genus of Eurasian herbs having alternate leaves and racemes of showy bell-shaped flowers