day-lily
Definition
- Noun:
- A type of flowering plant: "day-lily" refers to any plant of the genus Hemerocallis, characterized by large, showy flowers that typically bloom for only one day. The flowers are often trumpet-shaped and come in various colors, such as yellow, orange, or red.
Usage Examples
- (A specific plant from the genus with a short-lived bloom.)
- (The plant species valued for its resilience and repeated flowering.)
Advanced Usage
- "to be a day-lily": (rare, figurative) to be something that is beautiful but fleeting or temporary.
- Her fame was like a day-lily — brilliant for a moment, then gone. (Her fame was short-lived and ephemeral.)
Variants and Related Words
- Daylily (n): a common alternative spelling of "day-lily," often used in horticultural contexts.
- The daylily is a staple in perennial gardens. (The plant is a common choice for long-lasting garden beds.)
Synonyms
- Hemerocallis: the scientific genus name for day-lilies.
- Lily: a broader term for plants in the family Liliaceae, but day-lilies are not true lilies (they belong to the family Asphodelaceae).
Related Idioms