Definition

Noun: 1. A type of flowering vine: "morning glory" refers to any of various fast-growing, twining plants belonging to the genus Ipomoea or related genera. They are known for their showy, funnel-shaped (trumpet-shaped) flowers that typically open in the morning and close later in the day.

Usage and Examples

• General Use: The term is used to describe the plant itself, its flowers, or the species collectively.
  • The fence was covered in beautiful blue morning glories.
  • Morning glory is a popular annual vine for covering trellises quickly.
  • She planted morning glory seeds along the garden path.

Advanced Usage

• Botanical Context: In botanical or gardening contexts, "morning glory" can specify particular species, such as (common morning glory) or (heavenly blue morning glory).
  • The 'Heavenly Blue' morning glory is prized for its vibrant azure flowers.

Variants and Related Words

• Ipomoea (n): The scientific genus name for most morning glory species.
• Bindweed (n): A related plant in the family Convolvulaceae, often considered a weed, which shares the funnel-shaped flower shape but is typically not referred to as a "morning glory."

Synonyms

• Convolvulus (n): An older or more formal botanical term for some plants in the morning glory family.
• Twining vine (n): A descriptive phrase for its growth habit.

Notes on Meaning

• The defining characteristic of a "morning glory" is its flower's behavior (opening in the morning) and shape (funnel-shaped). The name is a direct reference to this daily cycle.
• While most species close their flowers in the afternoon, some cultivated varieties may remain open longer. The core meaning remains tied to this diurnal pattern.

Noun

1. any of various twining vines having funnel-shaped flowers that close late in the day