lilac
lilac Lexical Profile
lilac Game Scores & Validity
• noun
Any of various deciduous shrubs or small trees of the genus Syringa in the olive family (Oleaceae), native to temperate Eurasia and widely cultivated for their dense, fragrant panicles of pale violet, pinkish, or white four-lobed flowers that bloom in spring.
"The sweet scent of blooming lilacs drifted through the open kitchen window."
A pale pinkish-violet or light purple color typical of lilac blossoms.
"The artist mixed white, crimson, and cobalt blue to achieve a delicate shade of lilac."
• adjective
Of a pale pinkish-violet or light purple color, resembling the blossoms of the lilac shrub.
"She chose a soft lilac silk dress for the spring wedding."
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the early 17th century via French and Spanish from Arabic 'lilak', which itself came from Persian 'lilak' (meaning 'bluish'), ultimately rooted in the Sanskrit word 'nila' ('dark blue').
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.