snowdrop

/'snoudrɔp/

Thân thiện

A single snowdrop blooms in the early spring garden.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A small bulbous European plant (genus Galanthus) of the amaryllis family, bearing drooping white flowers that typically bloom in late winter: A snowdrop is a perennial herb known for its early flowering, often while snow is still on the ground. The flower has three outer white petals and three inner, often green-marked, petals.
   • (Less commonly) Any of various other early-flowering plants, especially the North American anemone Anemone quinquefolia: This usage is regional and refers to plants with similar early spring blooming habits.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The first snowdrop of the year appeared in the garden, a sure sign that spring was coming.
  • A carpet of snowdrops covered the woodland floor.
  • In some regions, the term 'snowdrop' is used for a small anemone with white flowers.

Advanced Usage

• "Snowdrop time": The period in late winter or early spring when snowdrops are in bloom.
  • We always visit that estate in snowdrop time to see the magnificent display.
• In literature and symbolism: The snowdrop is often used as a symbol of hope, purity, and the arrival of spring after a long winter.
  • The poet used the image of a solitary snowdrop pushing through the frost as a metaphor for resilience.

Variants and Related Words

• Snowdrop anemone: A common name for , also known as the wood anemone.
• Snowdrop tree (): A small tree, also known as silverbell, which produces hanging white bell-shaped flowers.

Synonyms

• Galanthus (scientific genus name).
• Common snowdrop (for , the most widespread species).
• February fairmaids (an archaic or regional name).

Related Phrases and Idioms

(Note: 'Snowdrop' itself is not commonly used in phrasal verbs or idioms. Its usage is primarily literal.) - "Like a snowdrop in the snow": A simile describing something pure, delicate, and standing out against a harsh background. - Her white dress stood out in the dark room like a snowdrop in the snow.

Học thuật

Noun

1. common anemone of eastern North America with solitary pink-tinged white flowers

Từ đồng nghĩa

• wood anemone
• Anemone quinquefolia