amaryllis

[ am-uh-ril-is ]
/ ˌæm əˈrɪl ɪs /

noun

any of several bulbous plants of the genus Hippeastrum, especially H. puniceum, which has large red or pink flowers and is popular as a houseplant. Compare amaryllis family.
Also called belladonna lily, naked lady. a related plant, Amaryllis belladonna, having clusters of usually rose-colored flowers.
any of several other similar or related plants.
(initial capital letter) a shepherdess or country girl, especially in classical and later pastoral poetry.

Origin of amaryllis

1785–95; < Latin: name of a shepherdess in Vergil's Eclogues

Definition for amaryllis (2 of 2)

Amaryllis
[ am-uh-ril-is ]
/ ˌæm əˈrɪl ɪs /

noun

a female given name.

Example sentences from the Web for amaryllis

British Dictionary definitions for amaryllis (1 of 2)

amaryllis
/ (ˌæməˈrɪlɪs) /

noun

Also called: belladonna lily an amaryllidaceous plant, Amaryllis belladonna, native to southern Africa and having large lily-like reddish or white flowers
any of several related plants, esp hippeastrum

Word Origin for amaryllis

C18: from New Latin, from Latin: named after Amaryllis

British Dictionary definitions for amaryllis (2 of 2)

Amaryllis
/ (ˌæməˈrɪlɪs) /

noun

(in pastoral poetry) a name for a shepherdess or country girl