cockscomb
the cap, resembling a cockscomb, formerly worn by professional fools.
a garden plant, Celosia cristata, of the amaranth family, with flowers, commonly crimson or purple, in a broad spike somewhat resembling the comb of a cock.
any of several other species of the genus Celosia.
an elongate prickleback, Anoplarchus purpurescens, living among submerged rocks along the Pacific coast of North America.
a gaslight burner having four or more jets.
Origin of cockscomb
1Words Nearby cockscomb
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use cockscomb in a sentence
Celosia cristata is the well known cockscomb, having combs or heads of scarlet, crimson, rose and yellow.
The Practical Garden-Book | C. E. HunnGetting tired, I took out my sketch-book and drew Lubuga, the pet, which amused the king immensely as he recognised her cockscomb.
The Discovery of the Source of the Nile | John Hanning SpekeHis hair was cut short, with the exception of a ridge on the top which ran stem to stern, like a cockscomb.
Great African Travellers | W.H.G. KingstonIf an unmodified Celosia could be got, it would be well to test with the modified cockscomb.
More Letters of Charles Darwin | Charles DarwinThe wild cockscomb (Amaranthus Cruentus) also furnished a portion of their supply.
The Cliff Climbers | Captain Mayne Reid
British Dictionary definitions for cockscomb
coxcomb
/ (ˈkɒksˌkəʊm) /
the comb of a domestic cock
an amaranthaceous garden or pot plant, Celosia cristata, with yellow, crimson, or purple feathery plumelike flowers in a broad spike resembling the comb of a cock
any similar species of Celosia
informal a conceited dandy
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
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