coreopsis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowBotanical/Gardening
Quick answer
What does “coreopsis” mean?
A genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae, commonly known as tickseed, characterized by daisy-like flower heads with yellow or occasionally pink rays and a central disc.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae, commonly known as tickseed, characterized by daisy-like flower heads with yellow or occasionally pink rays and a central disc.
Any plant of the genus Coreopsis, valued as ornamental garden perennials or annuals for their bright, cheerful, and long-lasting blooms.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical; it is a scientific/Latin genus name used universally in horticulture. The common name 'tickseed' is more frequent in general gardening talk in both regions.
Connotations
Connotes knowledgeable gardening, botanical interest, or cultivated, sunny flower borders. No regional connotative differences.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both varieties, confined to specialist contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “coreopsis” in a Sentence
The [ADJ] coreopsis [VERB]...[GENUS NAME] coreopsis is a...coreopsis, also known as...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “coreopsis” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The coreopsis border was a mass of gold.
American English
- She planted a coreopsis patch along the driveway.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in horticultural trade (e.g., 'Wholesale prices for coreopsis have risen.').
Academic
Used in botany, plant taxonomy, and ecology papers.
Everyday
Very rare outside of conversations among gardening enthusiasts.
Technical
Standard term in horticulture, landscaping, and botanical guides for identifying and classifying plants.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “coreopsis”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “coreopsis”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “coreopsis”
- Misspelling: 'corriopsis', 'coreopsis'. Mispronunciation: stressing the first syllable (/ˈkɔːriəpsɪs/). Using as a common noun outside plant contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, most coreopsis species are considered low-maintenance, drought-tolerant perennials suited to sunny locations with well-drained soil.
It derives from Greek 'koris' meaning 'bug' and 'opsis' meaning 'view', referring to the shape of the seeds which resemble ticks.
No, they are in the same family (Asteraceae) and look similar, but coreopsis is a distinct genus. Daisies typically belong to the genera Bellis or Leucanthemum.
Many species are herbaceous perennials, returning each year. Some are treated as annuals, and certain perennial varieties may be short-lived but often self-seed.
A genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae, commonly known as tickseed, characterized by daisy-like flower heads with yellow or occasionally pink rays and a central disc.
Coreopsis is usually botanical/gardening in register.
Coreopsis: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɒr.iˈɒp.sɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɔːr.iˈɑːp.sɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: CORE of the garden is bright like the sun, OPSIS (like 'opsis' meaning view) – a bright view in the garden.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SUN IN MINIATURE (for its round, bright, radiating flower heads).
Practice
Quiz
Coreopsis is most commonly associated with which type of garden feature?