asphodel
[as-fuh-del]
- any of various southern European plants of the genera Asphodelus and Asphodeline, of the lily family, having white, pink, or yellow flowers in elongated clusters.
- any of various other plants, as the daffodil.
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Origin of asphodel
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for asphodel
Historical Examples
His favourite plants were the vine, ivy, laurel, and asphodel.
Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece and RomeE.M. Berens
Name an anagram of Anthericum, from , supposed to have been the Asphodel.
"That pinkish flower over there must be asphodel," said Uncle Jim.
Irma in ItalyHelen Leah Reed
At his elbow is a great un-English, unwintry nosegay of asphodel and iris.
Alas!Rhoda Broughton
Crown us with asphodel flowers, that are wet with the dews of nepenthe.
Great Inventions and DiscoveriesWillis Duff Piercy
asphodel
- any of various S European liliaceous plants of the genera Asphodelus and Asphodeline, having clusters of white or yellow flowersCompare bog asphodel
- any of various other plants, such as the daffodil
- an unidentified flower of Greek legend, probably a narcissus, said to cover the Elysian fields
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Word Origin
C16: from Latin asphodelus, from Greek asphodelos, of obscure origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Word Origin and History for asphodel
n.
late 14c., from Latin asphodelus, from Greek asphodelos "asphodel, king's spear," of unknown origin (see daffodil). Taken in poetic use for a mythical deathless flower that overspreads the Elysian meadows.
To embathe In nectared lavers strewed with asphodel. [Milton, "Comus," 1634]
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper