Poinsett

Part of speech: noun, verb

Definitions

1. A family name borne by an American statesman who introduced the poinsettia plant to the United States ; a county in the northeastern part of Arkansas
2. The surname of a nineteenth-century American diplomat credited with bringing the poinsettia to the United States ; a rural county located in northeast Arkansas
3. A proper name honoring a nineteenth-century American envoy known for the red-leaved plant ; an administrative county lying in the northeastern corner of Arkansas

Etymology: Joel Roberts Poinsett was an American politician and diplomat who served as the first United States minister to Mexico. While there, he became fascinated by a red-bracted shrub with flowers that grew in the countryside. He sent cuttings home to his South Carolina plantation, where the plant spread through American gardens. Botanists later honored him by naming the plant after him. The genus was named Poinsettia, and the common English name "poinsettia" is what remains of his surname. The plant's scientific name, Euphorbia pulcherrima, reflects its earlier classification in the spurge genus, but its everyday name keeps Poinsett's memory alive in every holiday display.