noun
cyclamen
SIK-luh-mun
Cyclamen (noun) means a flowering plant of the genus Cyclamen, widely grown as a houseplant for its decorative leaves and single flowers. Example: “She kept a pink cyclamen on the kitchen windowsill.”
noun
1
A flowering plant of the genus Cyclamen, widely grown as a houseplant for its decorative leaves and single flowers.
"She kept a pink cyclamen on the kitchen windowsill."
"The cyclamens in the hall need watering twice a week."
"A cyclamen with silver-patterned leaves looks good even when it is not in flower."
2
A purplish-red colour.
"The bridesmaids wore dresses in deep cyclamen."
"She painted the front door a bold cyclamen."
How to use cyclamen
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA pretty houseplant with decorative leaves, and also a purplish-red colour.
When to use it
It is a neutral, everyday word in gardening.
Memory tip
The plural is cyclamens, and the second syllable is a weak sound, so it is not pronounced 'cy-clay-men'.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
potted cyclamen
pink cyclamen
cyclamen leaves
cyclamen flowers
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She kept a pink _____ on the kitchen windowsill.
Etymology
English borrowed the word from New Latin cyclamen, which in turn comes from the Latin cyclamīnos.
Synonyms
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sowbread
Rhymes for cyclamen
See all rhymes for cyclamen →Frequently asked questions
What is a cyclamen?
A cyclamen is a flowering plant of the genus Cyclamen. It is widely grown as a houseplant and has decorative leaves and single flowers.
How do you pronounce cyclamen?
In English it is pronounced SIK-luh-mun, with the stress on the first syllable.
What is another name for a cyclamen?
Sowbread is another name for the plant.
What is the meaning of cyclamen?
"cyclamen" (noun) means a flowering plant of the genus Cyclamen, widely grown as a houseplant for its decorative leaves and single flowers.
