geranium Meaning, Definition & Usage

Ge*ra"ni*um noun

Etymology

L., fr. Gr. , from crane: cf. F. géranium. See Crane, n.

Definitions

1. (Bot.) A genus of plants having a beaklike tours or receptacle, around which the seed capsules are arranged, and membranous projections, or stipules, at the joints. Most of the species have showy flowers and a pungent odor. Called sometimes crane's-bill.
2. (Floriculture) A cultivated pelargonium. ✍ Many plants referred to the genus Geranium by the earlier botanists are now separated from it under the name of Pelargonium, which includes all the commonly cultivated "geraniums", mostly natives of South Africa.