n. Any of numerous plants of the genus Lupinus of the pea family, having palmately compound leaves and colorful flowers grouped in spikes or racemes. Some species are cultivated as ornamentals and others for their edible seeds. [Middle English, from Old French lupin, from Latin lupīnum, from neuter of lupīnus, wolflike; see LUPINE2.] (click for a larger image) lupine1bigleaf lupine Lupinus polyphyllus |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
adj. 1. Characteristic of or resembling a wolf. 2. Rapacious; ravenous. |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.