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

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

The crucial feature was this: the crocus didn’t have a hole at the tip.

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides