clover

clo·ver

noun \ˈklō-vər\

Definition of CLOVER

1

: any of a genus (Trifolium) of low leguminous herbs having trifoliolate leaves and flowers in dense heads and including many that are valuable for forage and attractive to bees

2

: any of various related plants (as of the genera Melilotus, Lespedeza, or Medicago) of the legume family

— in clover also in the clover

: in prosperity or in pleasant circumstances

Origin of CLOVER

Middle English, from Old English clāfre; akin to Old High German klēo clover

First Known Use: before 12th century

Rhymes with CLOVER

Dover, drover, over, rover, stover, trover

clover

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Clover (Trifolium)—Ken Brate—Photo Researchers

Any legume of the genus Trifolium, composed of 300 or more annual and perennial species, found in most temperate and subtropical regions. The alternate, compound leaves usually have three toothed leaflets. The very small, fragrant flowers are crowded into dense heads. Clovers are highly palatable to livestock and high in protein, phosphorus, and calcium, thus providing valuable nourishment in the form of hay, pasture, and silage. They also improve and conserve soil by adding nitrogen and increasing the availability of other nutrients for crops that follow. The most important agricultural species are red clover (T. pratense), white clover (T. repens), and alsike clover (T. hybridum).