crocus

American  

[kroh-kuhs] / ˈkroʊ kəs /

noun

crocuses plural

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

Derived Forms

• crocused
  adjective

Inflected Forms

noun

• crocuses
  plural

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

He can remember a time when the crocus would flower three to five times in a growing season, now that's down to two or three.

From BBC • Nov. 30, 2023

Successive waves of bloom provide pollen and nectar, from early-season crocus to reseeding annuals and flowering perennials in summer.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 22, 2023

Going to St. Anne’s Church on Easter and choosing a blooming crocus in a green plastic pot covered with foil that was silver on one side, bright yellow on the other.

From "Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline