peach-blossom
Definition
- Noun:
- Flower of a peach tree: "peach-blossom" refers specifically to the pink or white flower that blooms on a peach tree (Prunus persica), typically in early spring before the leaves appear. It is often associated with beauty, renewal, and cultural symbolism, particularly in East Asian art and poetry.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The garden was filled with delicate peach-blossom petals after the rain. (The petals of the peach tree flower were scattered on the ground.)
- In Chinese poetry, the peach-blossom symbolizes spring and fleeting beauty. (The flower is used as a literary image for transience.)
Advanced Usage
"Peach-blossom luck": In some cultures, particularly in China, the phrase refers to romantic fortune or the likelihood of finding love.
- She consulted a fortune-teller about her peach-blossom luck this year. (She asked about her prospects in romance.)
"Peach-blossom spring": A poetic term for a mythical utopia, derived from the Chinese story "The Peach Blossom Spring" by Tao Qian, describing a hidden paradise.
- The novelist described a secluded valley as a peach-blossom spring, untouched by the outside world. (A place of perfect peace and isolation.)
Variants and Related Words
Peach blossom (n, alternative spelling): The same flower, often written as two separate words.
- The peach blossom trees lined the street, creating a pink canopy. (The trees were covered in flowers.)
Peach-blossom-colored (adj): Having the pale pink hue of a peach blossom.
- She wore a peach-blossom-colored scarf to match the spring weather. (The scarf was a soft pink shade.)
Synonyms
- Apple blossom: the flower of the apple tree, similar in appearance and seasonality.
- Cherry blossom: the flower of the cherry tree, often compared to peach-blossom for its cultural significance in Japan.
Related Idioms
- "To be in peach-blossom": To be in a period of romantic luck or youthful beauty.
- He claimed he was in peach-blossom after meeting his partner. (He felt lucky in love.)