polyanthus

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun florists' primroses; considered a complex hybrid derived from oxlip, cowslip, and common primrose

From Renaissance Latin polyanthus, corresponding to poly- + Ancient Greek ἄνθος (ánthos, “flower”).

Very early in January the garden at The Woodlands could boast brave clumps of snowdrops and polyanthus, a venturous wallflower or two, and quite a show of yellow jessamine over the south porch. — For the Sake of the School, Angela Brazil
At scattered cottages, over the gates of whose gardens gay with daffodils and polyanthus, groups of little girls and babies, in flopping sunbonnets and scanty lilac pinafores, stared back at the passing carriage, and then bobbed the accustomed curtsy. — The History of Sir Richard Calmady: A Romance, Lucas Malet
They always begin with a little boy or girl who goes out and meets the fairies of polyanthuses and gardenias and apple blossoms: ‘Flowers and fruits, and other winged things.’ These fairies try to be funny, and fail; or they try to preach, and succeed. — The Lilac Fairy Book, Andrew Lang

Primula polyantha

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