magnolia

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a tree or shrub of the genus Magnolia, typically bearing large, fragrant flowers

   A mature magnolia shaded the front of the house each summer.

2. 2
   noun

   the large flower of a magnolia tree or shrub

   She placed a white magnolia in a shallow glass bowl.

3. 3
   adj

   chiefly British: of a pale creamy-white color

   The hallway walls were painted magnolia to reflect more light.

From the botanical genus Magnolia, named by Charles Plumier for the French botanist Pierre Magnol (1638-1715). English adopted the genus name for its trees and flowers; British color use later compared a creamy white shade to magnolia petals.

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