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a plant with colorful petals that grows from a stem
The meadow was filled with wildflowers.
The open field had many naturally growing colorful plants.
The term can also refer to the reproductive structure of a plant.
the best or most attractive part of something
The flower of youth is fleeting.
The best time of one's life is short-lived.
This figurative use is less common but still recognized.
In botany, 'flower' refers to the reproductive part of a plant, while in everyday language, it often refers to the colorful petals.
Use 'flower' for a single plant and 'flowers' for multiple or a general reference to the plant type.
Old English 'flōwer,' from Proto-Germanic 'blōstaz,' meaning 'blossom.' Related to Dutch 'bloem' and German 'Blume.'
In botanical contexts, 'flower' specifically refers to the reproductive structure of a plant. In everyday language, it often refers to the colorful part of the plant.