genus Pothos
- noun
- /ˈdʒɛnəs ˈpɔːθoʊs/
- Specialized
- The adhesive roots of the genus Pothos help the plants climb trees in tropical forests.
Examples
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The genus Pothos includes several popular houseplants known for their trailing vines.
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Botanists have identified new species within the genus Pothos in Southeast Asia.
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The genus Pothos includes several popular houseplants.
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Many people admire the genus Pothos for its beautiful foliage.
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The genus Pothos features a variety of species that thrive in humid environments.
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Gardeners often choose plants from the genus Pothos for their ease of care and durability.
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In tropical regions, the genus Pothos can often be seen climbing along tree trunks and walls.
Synonyms
1
8.2
A common houseplant with heart shaped leaves that trails down
1
5.2
An evergreen climbing plant with green leaves streaked with yellow
1
9.9
A climbing evergreen vine with sticky roots and large leaves
An evergreen climbing houseplant with green and yellow leaves
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase simply combines 'genus' (a biological rank grouping related species) with 'Pothos' (a type of plant), so its meaning — the taxonomic group of plants called Pothos — is directly derivable from the constituents. Although slightly technical, this compositional pattern is predictable and cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows both words will understand it.
Etymology
Genus Pothos combines the Latin word genus meaning 'a group' and the Greek word Pothos, which may come from a word for 'longing' because the plant's long vines seem to reach out for support. So, the name helps you remember it is a group of climbing plants whose vines 'reach' and cling to trees.