■ noun
1》 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).
2》 (often in phr. in ~ ) the state or period in which a plant's ~s have developed and opened.
3》 ( the ~ of ) the finest individuals out of a number of people or things.
■ verb
1》 [often as adjective ~ing ] (of a plant) produce ~s.
2》 be in or reach an optimum stage of development.
Derivatives
~er noun
~less adjective
~-like adjective
Origin
ME flour , from OFr. flour , flor , from L. flos , flor- ; cf. flour .