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 new portraits, released by Kensington Palace on Sunday, were taken amid the flora at the Royal Horticultural Society's Chelsea Flower Show, which kicks off this week. — Krystin Arneson, Glamour, "These New Pictures of Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis Will Make Your Heart Melt," 19 May 2019 On the patio, opt for arrangements of succulents and other desert-friendly flora to keep maintenance as easy as can be. — Heather Corcoran, ELLE Decor, "How to Bring Old Hollywood Into Your Home," 19 Mar. 2019 Meadow, as its name suggests, takes its motif from the flora of a spring field—but presents these specimens flattened on a solid background, like fresh flowers pressed in a book. — Hadley Keller, House Beautiful, "The Perfect Floral Wallpaper for People Who Hate Florals," 19 Mar. 2019 Though people across the globe had been decorating temples and domestic interiors with evergreen flora for centuries, the holiday tradition in its modern form originated with medieval Germans. — Chloe Foussianes, Town & Country, "How Queen Victoria and Prince Albert Made Christmas Trees a Holiday Staple," 18 Dec. 2018 The 177 quilts featuring the flora, fauna and landscapes of 59 national parks are divided among forest preserve visitor centers in Beecher, Channahon, Joliet and Romeoville. — Phil Marty, chicagotribune.com, "Milwaukee gets its French on for Bastille Days, plus other Midwest events," 5 June 2018 Australian Museum Australia’s first public museum, founded in 1827, celebrates the astonishing flora, fauna, and cultures of Australia and the Pacific. — Sophie Davies, Condé Nast Traveler, "15 Best Museums in Sydney," 23 Mar. 2018 The large size of the flora and fauna is unusual for the time, suggesting that this was made for the European market (likely Spain or Portugal). — Elise Taylor, Vogue, "Oldies but Goodies: The 10 Standout Antiques from The Winter Show," 18 Jan. 2019 The handsome lodge and 10 cabins were planned to accommodate (and not disturb) the diverse range of flora and fauna that thrives around this lush hideaway. — Stephanie Granada, Sunset, "10 Stunning Eco-Friendly Hotels," 22 Jan. 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.