calendula

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Word: Calendula

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: Calendula refers to a group of plants, specifically herbs, that are mostly annuals (meaning they typically live for one growing season). These plants are known for their bright yellow or orange flowers. They are often grown in gardens and are popular for both their beauty and their uses, which can include medicinal and culinary purposes.

Usage Instructions:

• Basic Use: You can use "calendula" when talking about gardening, flowers, or herbal medicine.
• Example Sentence: "I planted calendula in my garden because their flowers are so bright and cheerful."

Advanced Usage:

• In Herbal Medicine: Calendula is often used in ointments and creams for its healing properties. You might say, "Calendula is used in many skin-care products to help with healing cuts and burns."
• In Cooking: Some people use calendula petals in salads or as a garnish because they add color and a slightly spicy flavor. You could say, "The chef added calendula petals to the dish for a splash of color."

Word Variants:

• Calendula officinalis: This is the scientific name for the most common type of calendula, often referred to as pot marigold.
• Calendula tea: A beverage made from calendula flowers, known for its soothing properties.

Different Meanings:

• While "calendula" primarily refers to the plant, it can also mean the specific flowers when discussing their appearance in gardens or floral arrangements.

Synonyms:

• Marigold (though marigold can refer to different plants, it is often used interchangeably in gardening contexts).

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs specifically related to "calendula." However, you might hear phrases like "in full bloom" when discussing how beautiful the calendula flowers look when they are at their peak.

Summary:

Calendula is a beautiful plant with bright flowers that are not only pleasing to the eye but also useful in herbal medicine and cooking.

Academic

Noun

1. any of numerous chiefly annual herbs of the genus Calendula widely cultivated for their yellow or orange flowers; often used for medicinal and culinary purposes