flora

noun

flo·ra | \ ˈflȯr-ə

plural floras also florae\ ˈflȯr-ˌē

, -ˌī \

Definition of flora

1 : a treatise on or list of the plants of an area or period

2 : plant, bacterial, or fungal life especially : such life characteristic of a region, period, or special environment fossil flora intestinal flora — compare fauna

Other Words from flora Synonyms Flora Has Roots in Roman Mythology Example Sentences Learn More about flora

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Flora Has Roots in Roman Mythology

Flora means "flower" in Latin, and Flora was the Roman goddess of spring and flowering plants, especially wildflowers and plants not raised for food. She was shown as a beautiful young woman in a long, flowing dress with flowers in her hair, strewing flowers over the earth. English preserves her name in such words as floral, floret, and flourish. A region's flora may range from tiny violets to towering trees. The common phrase "flora and fauna" covers just about every visible living thing.

Examples of flora in a Sentence

an amazing variety of coastal flora the floras of different coastal regions

Recent Examples on the Web

The paintings vary from abstract interpretations of flora to photo-realistic depictions of local gardens to a metaphorical representation of Alexander Hamilton’s influence on democracy if voters were flowers. — Trevor Fraser, orlandosentinel.com, "Winter Park art museums have cure for summer doldrums," 2 July 2019 Fire experts say the wet winter produced a surplus of combustible flora. — Kurtis Alexander, SFChronicle.com, "Fearful of being the next Paradise, Grass Valley confronts its fire vulnerability," 30 June 2019 To learn more about the flora, visitors can consult a field guide. — Washington Post, "A new installation at the Renwick combines sculpture, augmented reality and hope," 27 June 2019 After the parade, guests are encouraged to walk the grounds and enjoy the multitude of flora at this urban oasis. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "42 ways to celebrate July 4 in San Diego County with fireworks and parades," 27 June 2019 This boyhood idyll, Mr. Taliaferro writes, had an indelible effect upon Grinnell, who developed a deep curiosity about the property’s flora and fauna while learning how to hunt and ride. — Andrew R. Graybill, WSJ, "‘Grinnell’ Review: The Western Establishment," 14 June 2019 In the late morning, join a ranger for a walking safari to learn about the smaller flora and fauna of the region. — National Geographic, "Africa by Private Jet," 12 June 2019 The villa is the centerpiece of Mandarin Oriental's 75-room property, which has immaculate lake views, a botanical garden home to 54 species of flora, and, the Lake Como essential—a floating pool. — Leena Kim, Town & Country, "5 Luxury Destinations for a Mother-Daughter Trip," 9 May 2019 Include, too, a local park on your outings list, and bring along a book about flora and fauna. — Zafreen Jaffery, Ed.d., miamiherald, "Bake cookies. Head to the library. Ways to keep your child's brain sharp during the summer," 27 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'flora.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.