crocus

[kroh-kuhs]

noun

plural

crocuses 

1. any of the small, bulbous plants of the genus Crocus, of the iris family, cultivated for their showy, solitary flowers, which are among the first to bloom in the spring.

2. the flower or bulb of the crocus.

3. a deep yellow; orangish yellow; saffron.

4. Also called crocus martis. a polishing powder consisting of iron oxide.

crocus

/ ˈkrəʊkəs /

noun

1. any plant of the iridaceous genus Crocus, widely cultivated in gardens, having white, yellow, or purple flowers See also autumn crocus

2. another name for jeweller's rouge

adjective

1. of a saffron yellow colour

Other Word Forms

• crocused adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of crocus¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin < Greek krókos saffron, crocus < Semitic; compare Arabic kurkum saffron

Word History and Origins

Origin of crocus¹

C17: from New Latin, from Latin crocus, from Greek krokos saffron, of Semitic origin

Example Sentences

With their annual income at their fingertips, a family of saffron farmers pluck delicate crimson stigmas from crocus flowers grown high in India’s Kashmir Valley.

Read more on Science Magazine

There were two crocuses in the snow, sure harbingers of spring.

Read more on Literature

Ludmila shows me purple crocuses and bluebells in neat rows and the green shoots of daffodils.

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In the meantime, residents were clinging to signs that the cold would eventually retreat: a stray crocus in the yard.

Read more on New York Times

For others, it’s when they first realize they’ve finished dinner and it’s still light out, or when the first crocuses poke up through the snow.

Read more on New York Times