picotee

A pink carnation with a white picotee edge sits in a small glass vase.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of flower: "picotee" refers to a variety of carnation or other flower (such as a tulip or dianthus) characterized by petals that have a distinct, contrasting edge or border of a different color, typically lighter or darker than the main body of the petal.
   • A specific pattern: In horticulture, "picotee" describes a flower whose petals are edged with a different color, often in a delicate, lace-like or narrow band.

Usage Examples

• (A flower with a contrasting colored edge.)
• (A flower with a distinct color border on the petal edges.)

Advanced Usage

• "picotee effect": The visual appearance of a flower having a colored border around the petals.

  • The picotee effect in these dianthus is created by a genetic mutation that deposits pigment only at the petal margins. (The border pattern on the petals.)

• "picotee variety": A specific cultivar or strain of a flower that consistently produces this edge-coloring trait.

  • This picotee variety of carnation is highly sought after for its precise, clean edges. (A cultivated type with a colored border.)

Variants and Related Words

• Picotee (adj): Used to describe the flower itself or its pattern.
  • The picotee pattern is popular in floral arrangements for its contrast. (The edge-coloring pattern.)
• Picotee carnation (n): A specific type of carnation with this characteristic.
  • Picotee carnations are often used in bouquets for their striking appearance. (Carnations with colored edges.)

Synonyms

• Edge-colored: having a colored border.
• Bordered: having a distinct line or band around the edge.
• Margined: having a margin of a different color.

Related Idioms