Anthericum

/ænˈθɛrɪkəm/ noun

Definition

A genus of plants in the lily family, characterized by clusters of small white or yellow flowers and long, grass-like leaves.

Etymology

From Greek 'anthera' (flower) + '-icum' (Latin neuter suffix for genus names). This Latinized form was adopted in the 18th century as botanical nomenclature became standardized.

Kelly Says

Anthericum got its name because early botanists thought its flower-like structures were particularly flower-like—a case of ancient Greek speakers naming what they saw without the microscopic knowledge we have today.

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