Definition of "hyacinth" []

• A bulbous Mediterranean plant (Hyacinthus orientalis) having narrow leaves and a terminal raceme of variously colored, usually fragrant flowers, with a funnel-shaped perianth. Also called jacinth. (noun)
• Any of several similar or related plants, such as the grape hyacinth. (noun)
• Greek Mythology A plant, perhaps the larkspur, gladiolus, or iris, that sprang from the blood of the slain Hyacinthus. (noun)
• A deep purplish blue to vivid violet. (noun)
• A reddish or cinnamon-colored variety of transparent zircon, used as a gemstone. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "A curiosity of the water hyacinth is that, in floating plants, the flower heads or inflorescences bend downwards one or two days after flowering,, submerging themselves in the water."
• "Today, the hyacinth is found in more than fifty countries on five continents."
• "Careful now, be sure water hyacinth is the only plant they'll eat."