Definition

Noun: 1. A plant of the genus Mirabilis: A flowering plant belonging to the Nyctaginaceae (four o'clock) family, characterized by its often showy, funnel-shaped flowers that may open in the late afternoon. The name "umbrellawort" is derived from the shape of its fruit or the arrangement of its leaves in some species.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The pink umbrellawort in the garden opens its fragrant blooms at dusk.
  • We studied several species of umbrellawort for their unique flowering habits.

Advanced Usage

• As a common name: "Umbrellawort" is a common name applied to specific plants within the genus, most notably (wild four o'clock) and (white four o'clock). Its usage is primarily botanical or horticultural.

Variants and Related Words

• Four o'clock: A more common name for many plants in the genus, referring to the time of day their flowers often open.
• Mirabilis: The scientific genus name for umbrellawort and related plants.
• Mirabilis jalapa: The common four o'clock, a popular ornamental species.

Synonyms

• Four o'clock (for many species within the genus)
• Marvel of Peru (a name for )

Notes on Meaning

The term "umbrellawort" refers specifically to a type of herbaceous plant. It is not a widely used common name in everyday conversation but is recognized in botanical contexts. The "umbrella" reference typically pertains to the structure of its fruit (an anthocarp) or the whorled leaf arrangement in some species, not to a literal umbrella.

Noun

1. a plant of the genus Mirabilis