dandelion

[dan-dl-ahy-uhn]

noun

1. a weedy composite plant, Taraxacum officinale, having edible, deeply toothed or notched leaves, golden-yellow flowers, and rounded clusters of white, hairy seeds.

2. any other plant of the genus Taraxacum.

dandelion

/ ˈdændɪˌlaɪən /

noun

1. a plant, Taraxacum officinale, native to Europe and Asia and naturalized as a weed in North America, having yellow rayed flowers and deeply notched basal leaves, which are used for salad or wine: family Asteraceae (composites)

2. any of several similar related plants

Word History and Origins

Origin of dandelion¹

1505–15; < Middle French, alteration of dent de lion, literally, tooth of (a) lion, translation of Medieval Latin dēns leōnis, in allusion to the toothed leaves

Word History and Origins

Origin of dandelion¹

C15: from Old French dent de lion, literally: tooth of a lion, referring to its leaves

Example Sentences

Experts at the organisation say mixed lengths of grass are best for providing food and shelter, ideally with naturally occuring plants such as dandelions left to flower.

From BBC

Leafy greens and herbs: arugula, spinach, beet greens, mustard greens, radish tops, kale, dandelion, nasturtiums, fennel fronds, nettles, lovage, microgreens.

From Salon

“I always crave a roasted dandelion root tea every March,” Ziata said.

From Salon

In her home state of Kentucky, they pop up like dandelions.

From Salon

They originally thought they had found the tallest dandelion.

From BBC