definitions
  • synonyms

asphodel

[ as-fuh-del ]
/ ˈæs fəˌdɛl /
|

noun

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.

Nearby words

asphaltite, asphaltum, aspherical, aspherical surface, aspheterism, asphodel, asphyxia, asphyxia livida, asphyxia neonatorum, asphyxiant, asphyxiate

Origin of asphodel

1590–1600; < Latin asphodelus < Greek asphódelos the asphodel. See daffodil
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for asphodel

British Dictionary definitions for asphodel

asphodel

/ (ˈæsfəˌdɛl) /

noun

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

Word Origin for asphodel

C16: from Latin asphodelus, from Greek asphodelos, of obscure origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for asphodel

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]
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper