flower

1 the usually showy plant part that produces seeds flowers are always a thoughtful gift Synonyms bloom, blossom Related Words bud, floret, floweret (also flowerette); bouquet, nosegay, posy; arrangement, boutonniere, corsage, garland, lei, spray, wreath

2 a state or time of great activity, thriving, or achievement the skiing season is usually in full flower by Christmas Synonyms blossom, florescence, floruit, bloom, flush, heyday, high noon, prime, salad days, springtimeRelated Words autumn, Indian summer; blooming, blossoming, efflorescence, flowering; acme, apex, climax, meridian, peak, pinnacle, summit, zenith; glory, grandeur, splendor; belle epoque (or belle époque), golden age, silver age; comeback, recovery, revivialNear Antonyms decay, decline, downfall; bottom, nadir; shriveling (or shrivelling), wilting, withering

3 individuals carefully selected as being the best of a class without exception, the flower of this year's graduating class will be going to prestigious colleges Synonyms A-list, aristocracy, best, choice, corps d'elite, cream, crème de la crème, elect, fat, elite, illuminati, pick, pink, pride, priesthood, prime, royalty, upper crustRelated Words establishment, gentry, nobility, quality, society, top, top drawer, upper class; caviar (also caviare); who's whoNear Antonyms commoners, herd, hoi polloi, masses, millions, mob, multitude, rank and file, unwashed