n.
- The reproductive structure of some seed-bearing plants, characteristically having either specialized male or female organs or both male and female organs, such as stamens and a pistil, enclosed in an outer envelope of petals and sepals.
- Such a structure having showy or colorful parts; a blossom.
- A plant that is cultivated or appreciated for its blossoms.
- The condition or a time of having developed flowers: The azaleas were in full flower.
- Something, such as an ornament or a figure of speech, that resembles a flower in shape, fineness, or attractiveness.
- The period of highest development; the peak. See synonyms at bloom1.
- The highest example or best representative: the flower of our generation.
- A natural development or outgrowth: "His attitude was simply a flower of his general good nature" (Henry James).
- flowers Chemistry. A fine powder produced by condensation or sublimation of a compound.
v., -ered, -er·ing, -ers. v.intr.
- To produce a flower or flowers; blossom.
- To develop naturally or fully; mature: His artistic talents flowered early.
To decorate with flowers or with a floral pattern.
[Middle English flour, from Old French flor, from Latin flōs, flōr-.]
flowerer flow'er·er n.flowerless flow'er·less adj.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
