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cowslip

American  
[kou-slip] / ˈkaʊ slɪp /

noun

  1. an English primrose, Primula veris, having fragrant yellow flowers.

  2. the marsh marigold.

  3. shooting star.

  4. Virginia cowslip.


cowslip British  
/ ˈkaʊˌslɪp /

noun

  1. Also called: paigle.  a primrose, Primula veris, native to temperate regions of the Old World, having fragrant yellow flowers

  2. another name for marsh marigold

"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

Etymology

Origin of cowslip

before 1000; Middle English cowslyppe, Old English cūslyppe, equivalent to cow 1 + slyppe, slypa slime; slip 3

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Both the common primrose and the related cowslip drew the attention of Charles Darwin.

From Washington Post • Mar. 16, 2011

There are other royal rides for those who like to look an English cowslip in the eye or find out for them selves that Mussolini did indeed make Italy's trains run on time.

From Time Magazine Archive

Unappreciant of news value, the three Princetonians did not realize that a limerick from the lips of an ex-President is as rare as a cowslip from Mars.

From Time Magazine Archive

Three Princetonians who overlooked something as rare as a cowslip from Mars.

From Time Magazine Archive

“Up, Beetle, and to the cottage for cowslip, mugwort, and pepper. By the Fourteen Holy Helpers, Joan will have to sneeze this baby out!”

From "The Midwife's Apprentice" by Karen Cushman