crocus

American  

[kroh-kuhs] / ˈkroʊ kəs /

noun

plural

crocuses

1. any of the small, bulbous plants of the genus Crocus, of the iris family, cultivated for their showy, solitary flowers, which are among the first to bloom in the spring.

2. the flower or bulb of the crocus.

3. a deep yellow; orangish yellow; saffron.

4. Also called crocus martis.  a polishing powder consisting of iron oxide.

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crocus British  

/ ˈkrəʊkəs /

noun

1. any plant of the iridaceous genus Crocus, widely cultivated in gardens, having white, yellow, or purple flowers See also autumn crocus

2. another name for jeweller's rouge

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adjective

1. of a saffron yellow colour

Other Word Forms

• crocused adjective

Etymology

Origin of crocus

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin < Greek krókos saffron, crocus < Semitic; compare Arabic kurkum saffron

Example Sentences

With their annual income at their fingertips, a family of saffron farmers pluck delicate crimson stigmas from crocus flowers grown high in India’s Kashmir Valley.

From Science Magazine • Nov. 26, 2024

In the meantime, residents were clinging to signs that the cold would eventually retreat: a stray crocus in the yard.

From New York Times • Mar. 23, 2024

Back in Pampore, Dr Allie has worked on a system which involves growing the crocus inside for part of the year.

From BBC • Nov. 30, 2023

Each November in Sardinia, purple crocus blossoms blanket the rolling fields.

From Washington Times • Apr. 6, 2023

She was made of crocus, but she never felt as rough all over as a real gunnysack.

From "Root Magic" by Eden Royce