avalanche lily


noun
  1. either of two plants, Erythronium grandiflorum or E. montanum, of the lily family, of the mountains of northwestern North America, having nodding yellow or white flowers.

Origin of avalanche lily

1
An Americanism dating back to 1910–15; apparently so called because it is found near the snow line or the edge of glaciers

Words Nearby avalanche lily

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use avalanche lily in a sentence

  • A dogtooth violet, commonly called avalanche lily, is abundant.

    Your National Parks | Enos A. Mills
  • The most noticeable and abundant flower on all slopes is the avalanche lily (erythronium montanum).

    The Mountain that was 'God' | John H. Williams