Mag-nō'li-ă, n.

noun

n. [N. Lat., It., & Sp., Fr. magnolie, magnolier, named after Pierre Magnol, professor of botany at Montpellier, who lived from 1638 to 1715.] (Bot.) A tree having large fragrant flowers, found in the southern parts of the United States. The great magnolia is the M. grandiflora; the small is the M. glauca, or sweet bay.

An engraved illustration of a magnolia branch with leaves and blossoms.
Magnolia Branch, Leaf, and Blossom.