pe·tu·nia / pəˈt(y)oōnyə/ • n. a plant (Petunia × hybrida) of the nightshade family with brightly colored funnel-shaped flowers. Native to tropical America, it has been widely developed as an ornamental hybrid, with numerous varieties.

petunia Genus of flowering plants of the nightshade family that originated in Argentina, and the common name for any of the varieties that are popular bedding plants. Most varieties derive from the white flowered P. axillaris and the violet-red P. integrifolia; they may be erect, shrubby, or pendant. The bell-shaped flowers have five petals and may be almost any colour. Family Solanaceae.

petunia XIX. — modL., f. F. petun tobacco (also in Eng. use XVI—XVII) — Guarani petȳ; see -IA1.