frangipani Hear it!

frangipani Definition

fran·gi·pani (fran′ji pan′ē, -pän′-)

noun pl. -·pan′i or -·pan′is

  1. any of a genus (Plumeria) of tropical American shrubs and trees of the dogbane family, with large, funnel-shaped flowers and milky sap; specif., a small tree (P. rubra) with fragrant, reddish flowers that are used, in Hawaii, to make leis
  2. a perfume obtained from, or scented like, such flowers
  3. a custard dessert or a custard filling for cakes and tarts, usually flavored with ground almonds

Etymology: It, after Marquis Frangipani (16th-c. It nobleman), said to have invented the perfume

frangipani Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

  • tree: Total reads: 32 The story of a lonely frangipani tree.
  • flower: The stairs were decorated with fresh frangipani flowers and I walked down with my Mom.