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Glite Dictionary
Delphinium ajacis

Delphinium ajacis

9.9
A tall garden plant that grows long stems with blue, purple, or pink flowers
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : delphinio
  • Gardeners often plant Delphinium ajacis for its striking blue blooms in early summer.

Examples

  • The unbranched spikes of Delphinium ajacis make it a favorite among floral arrangers.

  • Delphinium ajacis thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.

  • The Delphinium ajacis blooms beautifully in spring.

  • Have you seen the Delphinium ajacis in the garden?

  • Many gardeners choose to grow Delphinium ajacis because of its stunning tall spikes of blue flowers.

  • In the garden, the bright purple flowers of Delphinium ajacis attract numerous bees and butterflies.

  • During the summer months, Delphinium ajacis adds vibrant color to landscapes with its lovely blooms.

Surface Forms

Delphinium ajacis singular
Delphinium ajacises plural

Morphology

delphinium + ajacis

A learner who knows 'delphinium' can infer this is a kind of delphinium (a flowering plant), so part of the meaning (that it is a plant species) is transparent. However, 'ajacis' is a Latin species epithet with no obvious English meaning, so the specific sense and details (native range, cultivar information) are not derivable without prior knowledge. Because part of the sense is clear but the crucial species-identifying element is opaque, this is best judged as partially transparent.

Etymology

Delphinium ajacis comes from two old words. Delphinium may come from a Greek word for 'dolphin' because the closed flower buds look like little 'dolphins', and ajacis may come from the hero 'Ajax', so the full name points to the flower's dolphin shape and a mythic link.