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Glite Dictionary
Silene virginica

Silene virginica

9.9
A plant that lives for many years with bright red, notched flowers native to eastern North America
  • proper noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Silene virginica
  • The brilliant red flowers of Silene virginica attract hummingbirds in summer gardens.

Examples

  • Botanists often refer to Silene virginica as fire pink because of its vivid coloration.

  • Silene virginica thrives in open woodlands and rocky slopes throughout its native range.

  • The Silene virginica blooms beautifully in the spring.

  • Have you seen a Silene virginica in the garden?

  • Silene virginica produces vibrant red flowers that are popular among garden enthusiasts.

  • During a hike, I spotted a cluster of Silene virginica blooming near the rocky outcrop.

  • The bright red petals of Silene virginica add a splash of color to natural landscapes in eastern North America.

Synonyms

fire pink
vsSilene virginica
  • US
9.9

A small wildflower with bright red notched petals that grows each year in eastern North America

is the scientific name used in formal contexts for the same plant

Surface Forms

Silene virginica main

Morphology

Silene + virginica

The form is a Latin binomial: a learner who recognizes 'Silene' as a plant genus and understands binomial naming could infer it names a species of Silene, and 'virginica' often signals a geographic epithet (e.g. 'of Virginia'), so some sense of meaning (a Silene species, likely regionally associated) is recoverable. However the specific biological attributes given in the definition (perennial habit, bright red notched petals) are specialized and not derivable from the constituents, and 'virginica' is not a common English word, so the overall meaning is only partially transparent.

Etymology

Silene virginica may come from old stories: the first part, Silene, is linked to a character named Silenus who appears in tales with flowers, and the second part, virginica, means 'from Virginia'. So the name is a simple label that helps you remember this bright red flower comes from Virginia.