Word Study
clematis
CIDE DICTIONARY
clematis, n. [NL., fr. Gr. klhmati`s brushwood, also (from its long, lithe branches) clematis. fr. klh^ma twig, shoot, fr. kla^n to break off.].
A genus of flowering plants, of many species, mostly climbers, having feathery styles, which greatly enlarge in the fruit; -- called also virgin's bower . [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
clematis, n. any erect or climbing plant of the genus Clematis, bearing white, pink, or purple flowers and feathery seeds, e.g. old man's beard.
Etymology
L f. Gk klematis f. klema vine branch
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