bignoniad

9.9

A woody plant like a tree or vine with large showy flowers that grows in warm regions

noun
/bɪɡˈnoʊniˌæd/

Specialized

: bignonio

The bignoniad is prized for its large, showy flowers and fast-growing wood.

Examples

Many species of bignoniads thrive in tropical rainforests.
Researchers studied the leaf structure of a tropical bignoniad for potential medicinal properties.
Many species within the bignoniad group are used as ornamental trees in gardens.
The bignoniad blooms beautifully in the warm climate.
Many species within the bignoniad group are used as ornamental trees in gardens.
Researchers studied the leaf structure of a tropical bignoniad for potential medicinal properties.
The bignoniad is prized for its large, showy flowers and fast-growing wood.

Surface Forms

bignoniad singular

bignoniads plural

Morphology

bignoniad = Bignonia (opaque) = bignoni + ad

The word is a specialized botanical formation (Bignonia + the rare suffix '-ad'), so knowing the genus name does not let an average learner infer the common meaning.

Etymology

The word bignoniad comes from the plant name Bignonia, which was 'named after' a Frenchman called Bignon. So, a bignoniad is any woody plant from that family of tropical trees and vines, often with large, showy flowers. A helpful way to remember it is to think of 'big' flowers on these plants.