n. Any of various often strong-smelling plants of the genus Cleome, native chiefly to warm regions and including several ornamentals. Also called spider flower. [New Latin Cleome, genus name, coined by Carolus Linnaeus (perhaps with reference to the resemblance of the racemes and siliques of cleomes to those of mustards) from Late Latin cleoma, hedge mustard (Sisymbrium officinale) or a related species, probably of Greek origin and perhaps ultimately (with reference to the traditional use of hedge mustard by singers and orators as a remedy for sore throat) from Greek kleos, fame, glory, or kleiein, to tell of, make famous; see CLIO.] |
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