Word Study
gardenia
CIDE DICTIONARY
gardenia, n. [NL.].
A genus of plants, some species of which produce beautiful and fragrant flowers; Cape jasmine; -- so called in honor of Dr. Alexander Garden. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
gardenia, n. any tree or shrub of the genus Gardenia, with large white or yellow flowers and usu. a fragrant scent.
Etymology
mod.L f. Dr A. Garden, Sc. naturalist d. 1791
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