ˈklemə]d.ə̇s, ]tə̇s; klə̇ˈma-, -ˈmā-, -ˈmä-, -ˈmȧ- noun
Etymology: New Latin, from Latin, periwinkle, from Greek klēmatis brushwood, clematis, from klēmat-, klēma twig; akin to Greek klan to break — more at gladiator
1. capitalized : a genus of opposite-leaved slightly woody vines or erect herbs (family Ranunculaceae) having elongate plumose styles — see traveler's-joy , virgin's bower
2. plural clematises or clematis : a plant of the genus Clematis or of the related genera Atragene and Viorna
3. plural clematises : a strong violet that is redder and paler than pansy, redder, stronger, and slightly lighter than royal purple (sense 2), and redder than lobelia