FLOWER

Flower

A flower, sometimes known as a bloom or blossom, is the reproductive structure found in flowering plants . The biological function of a flower is to effect reproduction, usually by providing a mechanism for the union of sperm with eggs. Flowers may facilitate outcrossing or allow selfing . Some flowers produce diaspores without fertilization . Flowers contain sporangia and are the site where gametophytes develop. Flowers give rise to fruit and seeds. Many flowers have evolved to be attractive to animals, so as to cause them to be vectors for the transfer of pollen.

The above text is a snippet from Wikipedia: Flower
and as such is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

flower

Noun

  1. A colorful, conspicuous structure associated with angiosperms, frequently scented and attracting various insects, and which may or may not be used for sexual reproduction.
  2. A reproductive structure in angiosperms (flowering plants), often conspicuously colourful and typically including sepals, petals, and either or both stamens and/or a pistil.
  3. A plant that bears flowers, especially a plant that is small and lacks wood.
    We transplanted the flowers to a larger pot.
  4. Of plants, a state of bearing blooms.
    The dogwoods are in flower this week.
  5. The vulva, especially the labia majora.
  1. The best examples or representatives of a group.
    We selected the flower of the applicants.
  2. The best state of things; the prime.
    She was in the flower of her life.
  3. Flour.
  4. A substance in the form of a powder, especially when condensed from sublimation.
    the flowers of sulphur
  5. A figure of speech; an ornament of style.
  6. Ornamental type used chiefly for borders around pages, cards, etc.
  7. Menstrual discharges.

Noun (etymology 2)

  1. Something that flows, such as a river.

Verb

  1. To put forth blooms.
    This plant flowers in June.
  2. To reach a state of full development or achievement.
  3. To froth; to ferment gently, as new beer.
  4. To come off as flowers by sublimation.


The above text is a snippet from Wiktionary: flower
and as such is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

Need help with a clue?
Try your search in the crossword dictionary!