cupid's dart

Thân thiện

A gardener carefully plants a cupid's dart in the flowerbed.

Definition

Noun: 1. A perennial herbaceous plant native to southern Europe: Cupid's dart refers to a specific flowering plant species, scientifically known as Catananche caerulea, characterized by its distinctive dark-centered, blue-rayed flowers.

Usage

Cupid's dart is used as a common name for this particular plant. It is primarily a botanical term. - The garden's border was brightened by the vibrant blue of Cupid's dart. - Cupid's dart is often used in dried flower arrangements due to its papery bracts.

Advanced Usage

• In gardening and horticulture: The term is used to discuss cultivation, landscaping, and plant characteristics.
  • Cupid's dart thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
• In mythology and symbolism: The common name alludes to Cupid, the Roman god of love, suggesting an association with love or attraction, though this is symbolic rather than a definition of the plant itself.
  • The romantic name Cupid's dart makes it a popular choice for wedding bouquets.

Variants and Related Words

• Catananche caerulea: The scientific (Latin) name for the plant.
• Blue cupidone: Another common name for the same species.

Synonyms

• Blue succory: A less common synonym for the same plant.

Notes

This term is a fixed compound noun referring specifically to the plant. It is not typically used in idiomatic expressions or phrasal verbs separate from its botanical meaning.

Học thuật

Noun

1. south European plant having dark-eyed flowers with flat blue rays

Từ đồng nghĩa

• blue succory
• Catananche caerulea