from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Geranium \Ge*ra"ni*um\ (j[-e]*r[=a]"n[i^]*[u^]m), n. [L., fr.
Gr. gera`nion, from ge`ranos crane: cf. F. g['e]ranium. 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]
Note: 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]