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 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

[flower illustration]