mignonette

/,minjə'net/

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The word "mignonette" can refer to a couple of different things, but let's break it down in a simple way.

Basic Definition

1. Botanical Meaning: Mignonette is a type of plant that is often grown in gardens. It has small, greenish or yellowish-white flowers that smell very nice and spicy. This plant is commonly found in the Mediterranean region and is appreciated for its fragrance.

Usage Instructions

• As a Noun: You can use "mignonette" to refer to the plant itself. For example:
  • "I planted mignonette in my garden because I love its fragrance."

Example Sentences

• "The mignonette flowers bloomed beautifully in the spring."
• "She added some mignonette to her bouquet for a lovely scent."

Advanced Usage

In gardening and horticulture, "mignonette" can also refer to specific varieties of the plant that are cultivated for their unique characteristics.

Word Variants

• Mignonette (noun): The plant itself.
• Mignonette sauce: A type of sauce made with shallots and vinegar, often used with seafood.

Different Meanings

• In culinary terms, "mignonette" can also refer to a sauce made from shallots, pepper, and vinegar, usually served with oysters. For example:
  • "I enjoyed the oysters with a mignonette sauce on the side."

Synonyms

• For the plant: Reseda (scientific name: Reseda odorata).
• For the sauce: You might refer to it more generally as a vinegar sauce.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs that include "mignonette," but here are some related phrases: - "To stop and smell the roses": This means to take the time to enjoy the beauty around you, much like enjoying the fragrance of mignonette flowers. - "Add flavor": This phrase can refer to adding something special to a dish, similar to how mignonette sauce adds flavor to seafood.

Summary

In summary, "mignonette" can refer to a fragrant plant or a tasty sauce.

Academic

Noun

1. Mediterranean woody annual widely cultivated for its dense terminal spikelike clusters greenish or yellowish white flowers having an intense spicy fragrance

Synonyms

• sweet reseda
• Reseda odorata