Geranium \Ge*ra"ni*um\ (j[-e]*r[=a]"n[i^]*[u^]m), n. [L., fr.
   Gr. gera`nion, from ge`ranos crane: cf. F. g['e]ranium. See
   {Crane}, n.]
   
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   1. (Bot.) A genus of plants having a beaklike torus or
      receptacle, around which the seed capsules are arranged,
      and membranous projections, or stipules, at the joints.
      Most of the species have showy flowers and a pungent odor.
      Called sometimes {cranes-bill}.
      
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   2. (Floriculture) A cultivated pelargonium.
      
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   Note: Many plants referred to the genus {Geranium} by the
         earlier botanists are now separated from it under the
         name of {Pelargonium}, which includes all the commonly
         cultivated "geraniums", mostly natives of South Africa.
         
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