flower
n
1 part of a plant from which the seed or fruit develops, often brightly coloured and lasting only a short time 花; 花朵
The plant has a brilliant purple flower. 那棵植物開著一朵鮮艷的紫花. =>illus at App 1 見附錄1插圖, page ii.
2 plant grown for the beauty of its flowers; flower and its stem (供觀賞的)開花植物; (帶梗的)花
arrange some flowers in a vase 往花瓶里插花.
3 [sing] the ~ of sth (rhet 修辭) finest or best part of sth; prime or peak of sth 精華; 精粹; 精英; 鼎盛階段
the flower of the nation's youth 該國青年的精英
in the flower of one's maturity/strength/youth 正當成熟[身強力壯/年輕]的時候.
4 (idm 習語) in/into `flower in/into the state of having the flowers open 處於[進入]開花期
The roses have been in flower for a week. 這些玫瑰花已經開了一星期了.
The crocuses are late coming into flower. 藏紅花開花晚. flower, v
1 [I] produce flowers; bloom 開花
These plants will flower in the spring. 這些植物到了春天就開花.
a late-flowering chrysanthemum 遲開的菊花.
2 [I] develop fully; mature or blossom 充分發展; 成熟; 繁榮
Their friendship flowered while they were at college. 他們的友誼在求學時已根深蒂固.