Euonymus

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A group of plants characterized by their flowering nature, displaying ornamental qualities and variations as shrubs and vines
2. A category of plants that encompasses various species known for their appealing appearance and use in gardens and public spaces
3. A type of flowering plant often recognized for its decorative attributes, these species can be found as shrubs or climbing vines

Etymology: Euonymus is the botanical name of a genus of shrubs and vines, and the name comes from Greek. The Greek "euōnumos" combined "eu," meaning good or well, with "onoma," meaning name, so the word means something like "good name" or "lucky name." Classical Greek writers used the term for a plant, and Linnaeus later adopted it as the genus name, so the English word is simply that Latinized scientific label carried over unchanged. The irony is that the name was given with the plant's beauty in mind, yet the same genus includes spindle trees, whose seeds and foliage are toxic. Gardeners know the group best for its colourful variegated leaves and autumn berries, which are the qualities the modern shrub and vine varieties are bred to show off.