noun
columbine
KAH-luhm-byn/ˈkɑːləmbaɪn/
A flowering plant with backward-pointing spurs on its petals.
A columbine grows beside the path, its spurred flowers nodding.
Etymology
The pieces give the meaning “dove-like.” The inverted flower supposedly resembles a cluster of five doves, connecting the bird name with the plant’s distinctive blossoms.
In context
an example here is the state flower of Colorado the Columbine remember we said
More examples
- We plant columbines where they get some afternoon shade.
- The columbine's petals extend backward into slender spurs.
- Red and yellow columbines bloom along the woodland trail.
Forms
columbine · columbines
Similar words
- aquilegia
- The botanical genus name, also used in gardening contexts.