carnation
carnation Lexical Profile
carnation Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A widely cultivated herbaceous plant (Dianthus caryophyllus) in the pink family, native to the Mediterranean region, heavily hybridized to produce large, heavily frilled, and fragrant flowers in a variety of colors.
"He wore a crisp red carnation pinned to the lapel of his tuxedo for the opening night gala."
A rosy pink or delicate pale red color, historically associated with the color of human skin or flesh in portraiture.
"The artist meticulously mixed white and red pigments to achieve the perfect carnation tint for the cherub's cheeks."
• Rhymes for carnation
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Early 16th century: from Middle French carnation (meaning 'complexion'), from Italian carnagione, rooted in Latin caro or carn- (meaning 'flesh'), originally referring to the flower's flesh-like pinkish color. Alternatively, it may be a phonetic corruption of 'coronation', as the flowers were historically woven into ceremonial crowns or chaplets.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.