noun / verb
flower
FLOWW-er/ˈflaʊər/
A plant's reproductive bloom as it opens into maturity.
The lily flower has open petals surrounding its stamens and pistil.
Etymology
Latin flos meant a blossom, and flower preserves that literal plant meaning. The blossom also supplied an image for a person's prime or the best part of something.
In context
that’s a flower’s job: to use its nice colors and smells to attract pollinators.
More examples
- A bee lands on the flower to collect pollen.
- These plants flower in early summer.
- Her artistic talent flowers with encouragement.
Forms
flower · flowers · flowered · flowering