rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryedelweissAlpine flower
noun

edelweiss

AY-dul-vyse/ˈeɪdlvaɪs/

A small alpine plant with woolly white star-shaped flowers.

Edelweiss grows in a rocky alpine crevice.

A close view of a small edelweiss plant growing in a rocky alpine crevice, with its distinctive woolly white star-shaped bracts and clustered yellow flower heads clearly visible; a spare distant mountain ridge establishes the alpine habitat.
Etymology
edelOld High Germannoble
+weissGermanwhite

The name literally means “noble white,” combining praise with the flower’s white appearance. It is a descriptive name for the alpine flower.

In context

Nature at Your Door Frank Taylor6:46
Edelweiss this virtual symbol of the Alps has many of these characteristics this plant with its white furry flowers was immortalized in a song
Fascinating adaptaptions of alpine wildflowers combating harsh mountain environmental extremes!

More examples

  • The guide points out the edelweiss's woolly white flowers.
  • She photographs an edelweiss beside the trail.
  • The illustration shows the star-like shape of an edelweiss flower.

Forms

edelweiss