snowflake
Definition
- Noun:
- A crystal of snow: A single, small, delicate ice crystal that falls as snow. Each snowflake typically has a unique, intricate six-sided (hexagonal) structure.
- White Arctic bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis): A small passerine bird of the bunting family, having largely white plumage, which breeds in the Arctic and northern regions.
Usage Examples
- Noun (Ice Crystal):
- A single snowflake landed on her glove.
- Under the microscope, the complex symmetry of the snowflake was visible.
- Noun (Bird):
- A flock of snowflakes was seen near the Arctic coast.
- The snowflake is also known as the snow bunting.
Advanced Usage
- Figurative Use (Individuality): Due to the common belief that no two snowflakes are alike, "snowflake" can be used metaphorically to emphasize the uniqueness of an individual.
- The artist celebrated every child as a unique snowflake.
- Modern Slang (Derogatory): In contemporary informal usage, particularly in political or social contexts, "snowflake" is sometimes used as a derogatory term to label a person perceived as overly sensitive, fragile, or easily offended.
- He dismissed the critics as a bunch of entitled snowflakes. (Note: This usage is informal and often pejorative.)
Variants and Related Words
- Snow (n): The mass of white ice crystals that fall from clouds and cover the ground.
- Snowfall (n): A fall of snow.
- Snowy (adj): Covered with or resembling snow.
Synonyms
- Flake (for the ice crystal).
- Snow crystal.
- Snow bunting (for the bird).
Idioms and Fixed Phrases
- "Special snowflake": A phrase, often used sarcastically, to describe a person who believes themselves to be uniquely different and deserving of special treatment.
- The program doesn't cater to every special snowflake's demands.
Noun
-
white Arctic bunting
-
a crystal of snow
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