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poinsettia
noun poin·set·tia \pȯin-ˈse-tē-ə, ÷pȯint-, ÷-ˈse-tə\
: a plant with large red, pink, or white leaves that look like petals
Full Definition of POINSETTIA
: any of several spurges (genus Euphorbia) with flower clusters subtended by showy involucral bracts; especially : a showy Mexican and Central American plant (E. pulcherrima) with tapering usually scarlet bracts that suggest petals and surround small yellow flowers
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Origin of POINSETTIA
New Latin, from Joel R. Poinsett †1851 American diplomat
First Known Use: 1836
POINSETTIA Defined for Kids
poinsettia
noun poin·set·tia \pȯin-ˈse-tē-ə, -ˈse-tə\
Definition of POINSETTIA for Kids
: a tropical plant with showy usually red leaves that grow like petals around its small greenish yellow flowers
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