What does the word "Nigella" mean?

This is a question from English4.today member Nigella, in Bahrain.

Nigella asks:

What does the word “Nigella” mean?? I heard that it’s kind of flowers, is it true?!!

Answer

Hi Nigella!

I have to admit that I had to do a bit of research on your question but I have an answer for you!

Yes! It is a species of flower and it’s full name is Nigella damascena. 

I think the ‘common’ names though are really interesting and they are both poetic and seem to point to opposites. It is also known as devil-in-a-bush or love-in-a-mist. You can decide which suits you better!

Nigella is a genus of 18 species of annual plants in the family Ranunculaceae, native to southern Europe, north Africa, south and southwest Asia. Common names applied to members of this genus are nigella, devil-in-a-bush or love-in-a-mist.

from Wikipedia

You may also be interested to know that you share your name with a very well know English celebrity chef, Nigella Lawson.

I hope that has helped answer your question, Nigella!

Word meaning: Nigella 1
Nigella Damascena: flower
Word meaning: Nigella 2
Nigella Lawson: celebrity chef

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