flower

Main Entry:: ¹flow·er
Pronunciation:: \ˈflau̇(-ə)r\
Function:: noun
Etymology:: Middle English flour flower, best of anything, flour, from Anglo-French flur, flour, flaur, from Latin flor-, flos — more at blow
Date:: 13th century

1 a: the part of a seed plant that normally bears reproductive organs : blossom, inflorescence b: a shoot of the sporophyte of a higher plant that is modified for reproduction and consists of a shortened axis bearing modified leaves; especially : one of a seed plant differentiated into a calyx, corolla, stamens, and carpels c: a plant cultivated for its blossoms2 a: the best part or example <the flower of our youth> b: the finest most vigorous period c: a state of blooming or flourishing <in full flower>3plural : a finely divided powder produced especially by condensation or sublimation <flowers of sulfur>

— flow·ered

\ˈflau̇(-ə)rd\ adjective

— flow·er·ful

\ˈflau̇(-ə)r-fəl\ adjective

— flow·er·less

\-ləs\ adjective

— flow·er·like

\-ˌlīk\ adjective

[flower illustration]

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