n. & v.
--n.
1. the part of a plant from which the fruit or seed is developed.
2 the reproductive organ in a plant containing one or more pistils or stamens or both, and usu. a corolla and calyx.
3 a blossom, esp. on a stem and used in bunches for decoration.
4 a plant cultivated or noted for its flowers.
5 (in pl.) ornamental phrases (flowers of speech).
--v.
1. intr. (of a plant) produce flowers; bloom or blossom.
2 intr. reach a peak.
3 tr. cause or allow (a plant) to flower.
4 tr. decorate with worked flowers or a floral design.
Phrases and idioms:
flower-bed a garden bed in which flowers are grown. flower-girl a woman who sells flowers, esp. in the street. flower-head HEAD n. 4d. the flower of the best or best part of. flower people hippies carrying or wearing flowers as symbols of peace and love. flower power the ideas of the flower people regarded as an instrument in changing the world. flowers of sulphur Chem. a fine powder produced when sulphur evaporates and condenses. in flower with the flowers out.
Derivatives:
flowered adj. (also in comb.). flowerless adj. flowerlike adj.
Etymology: ME f. AF flur, OF flour, flor, f. L flos floris