ˈ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ noun
Etymology: so called from its yellow cap-shaped flowers
1. : a plant of the genus Ranunculus (especially R. acris and R. bulbosus ) with bright yellow flowers — called also butterflower, goldcup, kingcup ; see tall buttercup
2. : a variable color averaging a vivid yellow that is redder and deeper than dandelion (sense 3b) or goldenrod (sense 2a) — compare buttercup yellow
3.
a. usually capitalized : a breed of medium-sized fowls of Italian origin distinguished by a comb with a cup-shaped blade
b. sometimes capitalized : a bird of this breed, the male being orange-red with black tail, the female golden buff spangled with buff