Definition

A type of climbing plant that has beautiful, hanging clusters of purple or white flowers and is often used in gardens and landscaping.

Example

The wisteria in the garden bloomed beautifully in the spring.

Conversation

Have you seen the wisteria blooming at the park yet?

Yes, it's so beautiful! The flowers are such a lovely shade of purple.

I love how they hang down like little waterfalls of color.

Exactly! We should go take some pictures before they fade.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Wisteria → The word 'wisteria' is derived from the name of the American physician and botanist Caspar Wistar, who was honored in the naming of the plant. The suffix '-ia' is a common Latin-derived ending used in taxonomy to denote a genus or group. Thus, 'wisteria' refers to a genus of flowering plants named after Wistar.

Memory Tip

Think of the name 'Wistar' when you see 'wisteria' — it helps you remember that this beautiful flowering plant is named after a person.

Visually Confused Words