snow-flake

Definition

Noun:
- A single crystal of snow: "snowflake" refers to a single, delicate, six-sided crystal of ice that falls from the sky as snow. Each snowflake is unique in its intricate structure.
- A symbol of winter: Used figuratively to represent the cold season, purity, or fragility.

Usage Examples

Advanced Usage

"to be a snowflake" (informal, often derogatory): to be overly sensitive or easily offended, especially in a political or social context.
- He called his opponent a snowflake for complaining about the criticism. (An insult implying fragility or excessive sensitivity.)
"snowflake generation": a term used to describe young adults (born after 2000) perceived as less resilient and more prone to taking offence than previous generations.
- The media often criticizes the snowflake generation for their demand for safe spaces. (A label for a demographic group.)

Variants and Related Words

Snowflakes (plural noun): multiple ice crystals.
- Snowflakes drifted down from the grey sky all morning. (Many individual snow crystals.)
Snowflaky (adj, rare): resembling or characteristic of a snowflake.
- The pattern on the window was snowflaky. (Having a delicate, snow-like design.)

Synonyms

Snow crystal: a more scientific term for a snowflake.
Flake: a small, flat, thin piece of something, often used for snow (e.g., "a flake of snow").
Ice crystal: a general term for any crystal formed from ice.

Idioms

"Every snowflake is different": used to emphasize the uniqueness of each person or thing.
- She believes every snowflake is different, just like every person has a unique story. (An analogy for individuality.)

Related Concepts

Snowfall (n): the amount of snow that falls in a given period.
- The snowfall last night was heavy, covering everything in white. (The total snow that fell.)
Snowstorm (n): a heavy fall of snow with strong winds.
- A snowstorm is expected to bring several inches of snow tomorrow. (A weather event involving snow.)

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