scarlet pimpernel

scarlet pimpernel

n. A pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis) having small flowers that are usually red but may be blue or white.

scarlet pimpernel

n (Plants) a weedy primulaceous plant, Anagallis arvensis, of temperate regions, having small red, purple, or white star-shaped flowers that close in bad weather. Also called: poor man's weatherglass or shepherd's weatherglass

pim•per•nel

(ˈpɪm pərˌnɛl, -nl)

n. any plant belonging to the genus Anagallis, of the primrose family, esp. A. arvensis (scarlet pimpernel), having scarlet or white flowers that close in bad weather. [1400–50; late Middle English pympernele < Middle French pimprenelle, Old French piprenelle < Vulgar Latin *piperīnella= Latin piper pepper + -īn- -ine³ + -ella diminutive suffix]

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

scarlet pimpernel - herb with scarlet or white or purple blossoms that close at approach of rainy weatherAnagallis arvensis, poor man's weatherglass, red pimpernelpimpernel - any of several plants of the genus Anagallis