Collins English-English Dictionary

flower ['flaυə]

1. 1. n fleuron an embellishment or ornamental symbol depicting a flower

2. 2. n a bloom or blossom on a plant

3. 3. n a plant that bears blooms or blossoms

4. 4. n the reproductive structure of angiosperm plants, consisting normally of stamens and carpels surrounded by petals and sepals all borne on the receptacle (one or more of these structures may be absent). In some plants it is conspicuous and brightly coloured and attracts insects or other animals for pollination

5. 5. n any similar reproductive structure in other plants

6. 6. n the prime; peak

   in the flower of his youth

7. 7. n the choice or finest product, part, or representative

   the flower of the young men

8. 8. n a decoration or embellishment

9. 9. n [printing] a type ornament, used with others in borders, chapter headings, etc

10. 10. n [plural] fine powder, usually produced by sublimation

    flowers of sulphur

11. 11. vi. [intr] to produce flowers; bloom

12. 12. vi. [intr] to reach full growth or maturity

13. 13. vt. [tr] to deck or decorate with flowers or floral designs

14. 14. vt. [Etymology] C13: from Old French flor, from Latin flos; see blow³