dandelion
dandelion Lexical Profile
• noun
A widely distributed herbaceous perennial plant of the genus Taraxacum in the family Asteraceae, native to Eurasia and North America, having deeply toothed leaves, hollow stems with milky sap, and bright yellow composite flower heads that mature into spherical, fluffy white seed heads.
"The children ran across the meadow, picking yellow dandelions and blowing the fluffy seeds into the breeze."
The bitter, nutrient-rich edible leaves or taproot of the dandelion plant, harvested wild or cultivated for use as a leafy green in salads, sautéed dishes, and herbal teas.
"She tossed the young dandelion greens with olive oil, lemon juice, and roasted garlic for a tangy spring salad."
A bright, warm golden-yellow color resembling the blossom of a dandelion.
"The artist used a vivid shade of dandelion to paint the sunlit fields in the foreground."
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the 14th century from Old French dent-de-lioun, literally meaning 'lion's tooth', from Latin dens leonis, in reference to the sharply jagged edges of the plant's leaves.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.