n.
Pronunciation: ' flau ̇ (- ə )r
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English flour flower, best of anything, flour, from Anglo-French flur, flour, flaur, from Latin flor-, flos ― more at BLOW
Date: 13th century
1 a : the part of a seed plant that normally bears reproductive organs : BLOSSOM , INFLORESCENCE b : a shoot of the sporophyte of a higher plant that is modified for reproduction and consists of a shortened axis bearing modified leaves especially : one of a seed plant differentiated into a calyx, corolla, stamens, and carpels c : a plant cultivated for its blossoms
2 a : the best part or example <the flower of our youth> b : the finest most vigorous period c : a state of blooming or flourishing <in full flower >
3 plural : a finely divided powder produced especially by condensation or sublimation < flower s of sulfur>
– flow · ered \ ' flau ̇ (- ə )rd \ adjective
– flow · er · ful \ ' flau ̇ (- ə )r-f ə l \ adjective
– flow · er · less \ -l ə s \ adjective
– flow · er · like \ - ˌ l ī k \ adjective
cross section of flower 1b: 1 filament, 2 anther, 3 stigma, 4 style, 5 petal, 6 ovary, 7 sepal, 8 pedicel, 9 stamen, 10 pistil, 11 perianth