cleome: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareTechnical/Botanical
Quick answer
What does “cleome” mean?
Any plant of the genus Cleome, also called spider flower or spider plant, known for its showy clusters of flowers with long stamens.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Any plant of the genus Cleome, also called spider flower or spider plant, known for its showy clusters of flowers with long stamens.
A genus of flowering plants in the family Cleomaceae, often cultivated as ornamentals in gardens for their distinctive, sometimes fragrant, flowers and feathery foliage. Some species are considered weeds in certain regions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical. The common name 'spider flower' is equally understood in both regions.
Connotations
None specific to region. Carries connotations of cottage gardens, pollinators (bees, butterflies), and sometimes a slightly wild or old-fashioned garden aesthetic.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in general discourse, but slightly more likely to be encountered in UK gardening media due to the popularity of traditional cottage garden plants.
Grammar
How to Use “cleome” in a Sentence
plant [a/the] cleomegrow cleomesthe cleome [blooms/wilts/thrives]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Used in botanical taxonomy, plant physiology, and horticultural science papers.
Everyday
Used almost exclusively by gardeners, horticulturists, or in gardening guides.
Technical
Precise term for genus in botanical keys, plant identification, seed catalogues, and landscape design plans.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cleome”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cleome”
- Mispronouncing as /ˈkliː.oʊm/ (KLEE-ohm).
- Confusing with the common houseplant 'Chlorophytum comosum,' also called spider plant.
- Using as a plural uncountably (e.g., 'lots of cleome' is fine; 'three cleomes' is also acceptable).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Most commonly cultivated species, like Cleome hassleriana, are grown as annuals in temperate climates, though they can be short-lived perennials in warmer zones.
The common name 'spider flower' comes from the appearance of its blossoms, which have long, protruding stamens that resemble spider legs.
Yes, the foliage of many cleome species has a distinctive, sometimes pungent scent when bruised, which can deter pests. The flowers themselves are often lightly fragrant.
Yes, dwarf varieties are suitable for containers. Ensure the pot is large enough and has excellent drainage, as cleome prefers not to sit in waterlogged soil.
Any plant of the genus Cleome, also called spider flower or spider plant, known for its showy clusters of flowers with long stamens.
Cleome is usually technical/botanical in register.
Cleome: in British English it is pronounced /kliˈəʊmi/, and in American English it is pronounced /kliˈoʊmi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CLEOme has long legs like CLEOpatra's elegant spiders.' Links the plant's name to its spider-flower appearance.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PLANT IS AN ORNAMENTAL FEATURE; A GARDEN IS A CANVAS (cleome as a brushstroke of colour and texture).
Practice
Quiz
In which context are you most likely to encounter the word 'cleome'?