canna

Definition

Any member of the genus Canna of tropical plants with large leaves and often showy flowers.

Etymology

From Latin canna (“reed”), from Ancient Greek κᾰ́ννᾱ (kắnnā, “reed”), from Akkadian 𒂵𒉡𒌑𒌝 (qanûm). Cognates Biblical Hebrew קָנֶה (qané), Aramaic קַנְיָא (qanyā), Classical Syriac ܩܢܝܐ (qanya), and English canon, cannon, canal, and channel. Doublet of cane and kaneh.

Example Sentences

• "A palisade of Canary palms formed an honour guard along the verges, while beds of golden cannas flamed from the central reservation."
• "Still, some of Mr. Cooper’s tender salvias are wintering over, and he plans to leave a few clumps of cannas in the ground next fall."