artificial flower
Definition
Noun: A decorative object made by hand to imitate the appearance of a natural flower, typically using materials like silk, plastic, or paper.
Usage
An "artificial flower" is used as a permanent, low-maintenance decorative item. It is common in settings where real flowers are impractical due to allergies, cost, light conditions, or the need for long-lasting arrangements. - The centerpiece on the dining table was a beautiful arrangement of artificial flowers. - She prefers artificial flowers in her windowless office because they never wilt.
Advanced Usage
- "To be no artificial flower": An idiom meaning to be genuine, authentic, or not fake in character (this is a less common, literary usage).
- His kindness was no artificial flower; it was deeply rooted in his nature.
Variants and Related Words
- Silk flower: A common type of artificial flower, historically made from silk but now often from polyester or other materials.
- The silk flowers looked remarkably real.
- Faux flower: A synonym using the French word for "false."
- She decorated the mantel with elegant faux flowers.
Synonyms
- Imitation flower
- Fake flower
- Permanent bloom (used in decorative arts)
Related Phrases
- Flower arrangement: The art or result of organizing flowers (real or artificial) in a decorative way.
- She took a class in artificial flower arrangement.
Related Idioms
- A rose by any other name: This idiom, from Shakespeare, suggests that what something is called does not change its essential nature. It can be contrasted with an artificial flower, whose nature is precisely its imitation.
- An artificial rose is lovely, but a rose by any other name would smell as sweet—this one has no scent at all.
Noun
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a handmade imitation of a blossom
