Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of aquatic plant: "Cow lily" refers specifically to a common water lily species native to eastern and central North America. It is characterized by its broad, flat leaves and distinctive globe-shaped yellow flowers. It typically grows in still or slow-moving freshwater environments, such as ponds, lakes, and sluggish streams, and can tolerate slightly brackish water.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The pond was covered with the broad leaves and yellow flowers of the cow lily.
  • Cow lilies provide important habitat for fish and aquatic insects.

Advanced Usage

• As a subject in botanical description: The term is used in scientific and naturalist contexts to describe the species (also classified as subsp. ).
  • The cow lily, Nuphar advena, is a member of the water lily family Nymphaeaceae.

Variants and Related Words

• Spatterdock: A common synonym for "cow lily," also referring to the same yellow pond-lily species.
• Yellow pond-lily: Another common name for this plant, describing its appearance.
• Nuphar advena: The primary scientific name for the species.

Synonyms

• Spatterdock
• Yellow pond-lily

Related Phrases

• In bloom: Used to describe when the cow lily's flowers are open.
  • The cow lilies are in bloom, covering the water with yellow.

Noun

1. common water lily of eastern and central North America, having broad leaves and globe-shaped yellow flowers; in sluggish fresh or slightly brackish water