Skip to main content
calliopsis

calliopsis

9.9
A North American annual plant often grown in gardens for its yellow flowers with dark centers
  • noun
  • /ˌkæl.iˈɒp.sɪs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : calliopsis
  • The vibrant yellow petals of the calliopsis brightened the summer garden.

Examples

  • Many gardeners choose calliopsis for easy-to-grow, colorful bedding plants.

  • In my garden, the calliopsis with its purple-red centers creates a striking contrast against the green foliage.

  • In some botanical texts, calliopsis is considered a subgenus of Coreopsis.

  • The garden was filled with beautiful calliopsis.

  • I planted several calliopses last spring.

  • Many gardeners choose calliopsis for their vibrant yellow flowers that attract butterflies.

  • The stunning calliopsis bloomed all summer, adding color to the landscape.

Synonyms

Coreopsis tinctoria
vscalliopsis
  • Specialized
9.9

A North American plant that lives one year and has bright yellow flowers with dark centers

is used as a taxonomic subgroup label rather than naming a single species

Surface Forms

calliopsis singular
calliopses plural

Morphology

calliopsis = calli + opsis

The elements are classical combining forms (calli- 'beauty', -opsis 'appearance') used in botanical names and are not productive or recognizable to an average B1 learner, so the meaning cannot be reliably derived from the parts.

Etymology

Calliopsis comes from Greek parts calli- meaning 'beauty' and -opsis meaning 'appearance' or 'look', the same calli- you find in calligraphy ('beautiful writing'). So, calliopsis is a plant named for its 'beautiful appearance', which fits its bright, showy flowers.