n.
- the seed-bearing part of a plant, consisting of reproductive organs (stamens and carpels) typically surrounded by brightly coloured petals (the corolla) and green sepals (the calyx).
-
(often in phr. in flower)
the state or period in which a plant's flowers have developed and opened.
-
(the flower of)
the finest individuals out of a number of people or things.
v.
-
[often as adj. flowering]
(of a plant) produce flowers.
- be in or reach an optimum stage of development.
Derivative
- flowerer n.
- flowerless adj.
- flower-like adj.
Etymology
ME flour, from OFr. flour, flor, from L. flos, flor-; cf. flour.