flower

flow•er

[[t]ˈflaʊ ər[/t]] n.

1) bot pln the blossom of a plant

Compare inflorescence

2) bot

a) the part of a seed plant comprising the reproductive organs and their envelopes if any, esp. when such envelopes are more or less conspicuous in form and color

b) an analogous reproductive structure in other plants, as the mosses

3) bot a plant considered with reference to or cultivated for its blossom

4) a state of efflorescence or bloom:

Peonies were in flower[/ex]

5) the finest or most flourishing period:

when knighthood was in flower[/ex]

6) the best or finest member, product, or example:

the flower of American youth[/ex]

7) chem. flowers, (used with a sing. v.) a chemical substance in the form of a fine powder, esp. as obtained by sublimation

8) bot to produce flowers; blossom; come to full bloom

9) to come out into full development; mature; flourish:

Her talent flowered early[/ex]

10) to cover or deck with flowers

11) to decorate with a floral design

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Etymology: 1150–1200; ME flour flower, best of anything < OF flor, flour, flur < L flōrem acc. of flōs flow′er•less, adj. flow′er•like`, adj.