biennial
English edit
Etymology edit
Borrowed from Latin bienni(um) (“two-year period”) [from bis, bi- (“twice”) + annus (“year”)] + -al (suffix forming adjectives). By surface analysis, bi- + -ennial.
Pronunciation edit
Adjective edit
biennial (not comparable)
Synonyms edit
Derived terms edit
Related terms edit
Translations edit
happening every two years
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lasting for two years
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Noun edit
biennial (plural biennials)
- A plant that requires two years to complete its life-cycle, germinating and growing in its first year, then producing its flowers and fruit in its second year, after which it usually dies.
- An event that happens every two years.
- 1891, Sir George Chetwynd, Racing Reminiscences and Experiences of the Turf, page 122:
- The famous Biennial was won by Earl of Dartrey, a light, peacocky horse, who was, perhaps, better than he looked.
Translations edit
plant
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