Convolvuluses

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A type of flowering plant belonging to the morning glory family, characterized by its twining stems and funnel-shaped blossoms
2. It refers to any member of the Convolvulus genus, many of which are often found in gardens
3. This term can also denote the various species within the Convolvulus, usually known for their attractive flowers and climbing habit

Etymology: Convolvulus is a Latin word meaning "bindweed," formed from "convolvere," to entwine or roll together, a fitting name for plants that twist around anything nearby. The Latin word was already in use in classical writing, and it passed into English as a botanical term used for the whole genus. The English plural "convolvuluses" is the ordinary anglicised form, although botanists often prefer the Latin plural "convolvuli" in technical writing. The genus name is inherited from Latin rather than coined from scratch, so the plant's name records its habit of climbing and binding. The English word "convolution," describing a twisted fold, comes from the same Latin verb, so the two share a root even though one names a plant and the other a shape.