any tropical or subtropical convolvulaceous plant of the genus Ipomoea, such as the morning-glory, sweet potato, and jalap, having trumpet-shaped flowers
2.
the dried root of a Mexican species, I. orizabensis, which yields a cathartic resin
Word origin
C18: New Latin, from Greek ips worm + homoios like
ipomoea in American English
(ˌɪpəˈmiə; ˌ aɪpoʊˈmiə)
noun
any of a genus (Ipomoea) of twining or creeping plants of the morning-glory family, with funnel-shaped flowers and heart-shaped or lobed leaves, including the morning glory and the sweet potato
Word origin
ModL < Gr ips (gen. ipos), a worm + homoios, like: see same