geranium

n. [ L., fr. Gr. gera`nion, from ge`ranos crane: cf. F. géranium. See Crane, n. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. (Bot.) A genus of plants having a beaklike torus or receptacle, around which the seed capsules are arranged, and membranous projections, or stipules, at the joints. Most of the species have showy flowers and a pungent odor. Called sometimes crane's-bill. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Floriculture) A cultivated pelargonium. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ Many plants referred to the genus Geranium by the earlier botanists are now separated from it under the name of Pelargonium, which includes all the commonly cultivated “geraniums”, mostly natives of South Africa. [ 1913 Webster ]