‖ zinnia Bot.
(ˈzɪnɪə)
Also erron. zinia.
[mod.L. (Linnæus, 1763), from the name of J. G. Zinn, a German botanist.]
A plant of the genus so named of American composite plants, extensively cultivated for the beauty of their flowers.
| 1767 Abercrombie Ev. Man his own Gard. (1803) 227 Sowing less tender Annuals... The principal sorts are..alkekengi or winter-cherry, tobacco-plant, zinnia, Indian corn. 1885 Pater Marius xi. I. 187 They visited the flower-market..and purchased zinias..to decorate the folds of their togas. 1910 Nation 13 Aug. 702/1 The hot and scentless glare of zinnias and dahlias. |