convolvulus

plural convolvuluses · plural convolvuli

1. biologyAny of several plants, of the genus Convolvulus, found in temperate climates, having small trumpet-shaped flowers.

   In this painting he uses the lovers for his narrative and makes his symbolic points with the convolvulus, signifying entanglements, climbing up the steps.

   1994, Edmund Swinglehurst, The Art of the Pre-Raphaelites: A Compilation of Works from the Bridgeman Art Library, Parragon Book Service Limited, “Stages of Cruelty · 1856–90 · Ford Madox Brown”, page 38/2

   1 more example

   Toward it the torrent raced furiously, fed from above, where, down the left bank, transformed abruptly into a great wall of vegetation, water was spouting into the stream through thickets festooned with convolvuli on a higher level than the topmost trees of the jungle.

   1947, Malcolm Lowry, Under the Volcano, New York: Reynal & Hitchcock, page 318

2. biologyA species of hawkmoth, Agrius convolvuli.

   1922, Virginia Woolf, Jacob's Room, Vintage Classics, paperback edition, page 51, Already the convolvulus moth was spinning over the flowers.