flower

¹flow·er

noun \ˈflau̇(-ə)r\

Definition of FLOWER

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 blossoms

2

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>

3

plural : 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

Examples of FLOWER

1. We planted flowers in the garden.
2. He sent her a bouquet of flowers.
3. He wore a single flower in his lapel.

Illustration of FLOWER

Origin of FLOWER

Middle English flour flower, best of anything, flour, from Anglo-French flur, flour, flaur, from Latin flor-, flos — more at blow

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to FLOWER

Synonyms

bloom, blossom

Related Words

bud, floret, floweret (also flowerette); bouquet, nosegay, posy; arrangement, boutonniere, corsage, garland, lei, spray, wreath

Near Antonyms

decay, decline, downfall; bottom, nadir; shriveling (or shrivelling), wilting, withering

Other Agriculture/Gardening Terms

fallow, graft, heirloom, loam, potash, soilage, swath, tilth, windfall

²flower

verb

Definition of FLOWER

intransitive verb

1

a : develop <flowered into young womanhood>

b : flourish 2

2

: to produce flowers : blossom

transitive verb

1

: to cause to bear flowers

2

: to decorate with flowers or floral designs

— flow·er·er \ˈflau̇(-ə)r-ər\ noun

Examples of FLOWER

1. This tree flowers in early spring.
2. The plant will flower every other year.
3. His genius flowered at the university.
4. a political movement that began to flower during the 1960s

First Known Use of FLOWER

13th century

Related to FLOWER

Synonyms

blossom, blow, burgeon (also bourgeon), effloresce, bloom, unfold

Related Words

leaf, leave; bud; open

Near Antonyms

dry up, fade, shrivel, wilt, wither; die, drop, expire, perish

Rhymes with FLOWER

bower, dower, flour, glower, lower, power, scour, shower, sour, Stour, tour, tower

flower

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

The life cycle of a flowering plant. (1) A pollen grain is released from the anther and settles on …—© Merriam-Webster Inc.

Reproductive portion of any flowering plant (angiosperm). Popularly, the term applies especially when part or all of the reproductive structure is distinctive in colour and form. Flowers present a multitude of combinations of colour, size, form, and anatomical arrangement. In some plants, individual flowers are very small and are borne in a distinctive cluster (inflorescence). Each flower consists of a floral axis that bears the essential organs of reproduction (stamens and pistils) and usually accessory organs (sepals and petals); the latter may serve both to attract pollinating insects (see pollination) and to protect the essential organs. Flower parts are arrayed usually in whorls, but sometimes spirally. Four distinct whorls are common: the outer calyx (sepals), the corolla (petals), the androecium (stamens), and, in the centre, the gynoecium (pistils). The sepals are usually greenish and often resemble reduced leaves; the petals are usually colourful and showy. Pollen is produced in the stamens. A pollen-receptive stigma rests atop each pistil. The pistil, made up of one or more carpels, encloses an ovary that contains the ovules, or potential seeds. After fertilization, the ovary enlarges to form the fruit. Flowers have been symbols of beauty in most civilizations of the world, and flower giving is still among the most popular of social amenities.