convolvulus: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2+Technical / Literary / Formal
Quick answer
What does “convolvulus” mean?
Any plant of the genus Convolvulus, comprising chiefly twining or trailing herbaceous plants with trumpet-shaped flowers, including several species of bindweed.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Any plant of the genus Convolvulus, comprising chiefly twining or trailing herbaceous plants with trumpet-shaped flowers, including several species of bindweed.
A botanical term for plants in the morning glory family (Convolvulaceae), often used in horticulture, botany, and literary contexts for its twining, binding growth habit and sometimes invasive nature.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference; the botanical term is identical. In everyday gardening contexts, specific common names like 'bindweed' (UK) or 'morning glory' (US for some species) are more frequent.
Connotations
In UK gardening, 'convolvulus' often has a strong negative connotation as an invasive weed (bindweed). In US horticulture, it may also refer to ornamental species.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both dialects, confined to specialist (botanical, horticultural, literary) contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “convolvulus” in a Sentence
[The] convolvulus + [verb] (twines, climbs, spreads)convolvulus + [of] + [location] (convolvulus of the hedgerow)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “convolvulus” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The plant will convolvulate (non-standard/very rare; standard: 'twine') around the support.
American English
- It convolvuled (non-standard/very rare) its way up the trellis.
adverb
British English
- It grew convolvulusly (non-standard/inventive) across the path.
American English
- The stems spread convolvulus-like (simile) through the garden.
adjective
British English
- The convolvuline (technical/botanical) characteristics of the species were documented.
American English
- They noted its convolvulaceous (botanical term for family traits) growth habit.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in botanical texts, plant taxonomy, and ecological studies.
Everyday
Extremely rare. A gardener might use 'bindweed' instead.
Technical
Standard term in botany, horticulture, and agriculture for plants in the genus Convolvulus.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “convolvulus”
- Misspelling: 'convulvulus', 'convolus'. Mispronunciation: stressing the first syllable. Incorrectly using it as a general term for any climbing plant.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are closely related. 'Morning glory' is a common name for plants in the related genus Ipomoea, but some species of Convolvulus are also called bindweed or dwarf morning glory. They are in the same family (Convolvulaceae).
Because many species, like field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis), are highly invasive weeds. They spread rapidly via deep roots and seeds, twining around and smothering crops or garden plants.
Yes, some species, like Convolvulus sabatius or Convolvulus tricolor, are cultivated as ornamental plants for their attractive flowers and are less invasive than the common bindweed.
It comes from Latin 'convolvere', meaning 'to roll together' or 'to entwine', referring to the plant's twining growth habit. The '-ulus' ending is a diminutive suffix.
Any plant of the genus Convolvulus, comprising chiefly twining or trailing herbaceous plants with trumpet-shaped flowers, including several species of bindweed.
Convolvulus is usually technical / literary / formal in register.
Convolvulus: in British English it is pronounced /kənˈvɒlvjʊləs/, and in American English it is pronounced /kənˈvɑːlvjələs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. It is not used idiomatically.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'The vine VOLves and conVOLves around the fence' – connecting 'convolve' (to coil) and the '-ulus' ending common in plant names.
Conceptual Metaphor
ENTANGLEMENT/DIFFICULTY (as bindweed chokes other plants); DELICATE BEAUTY (for its flowers).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'convolvulus' MOST likely to be used correctly?