n.
Pronunciation: ˌ sem-p ə r- ' v ī -v ə m
Function: noun
Etymology: New Latin, from Latin, neuter of sempervivus ever-living, from semper ever + vivus living ― more at QUICK
Date: 1591
: any of a genus ( Sempervivum ) of Old World fleshy perennial herbs of the orpine family often grown as ornamentals