edelweiss

American  

[eyd-l-vahys, -wahys] / ˈeɪd lˌvaɪs, -ˌwaɪs /

noun

1. a small composite plant, Leontopodium alpinum, having white woolly leaves and flowers, growing in the high altitudes of the Alps.

2. a liqueur made in Italy, flavored with the extracts of alpine flowers.

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edelweiss British  

/ ˈeɪdəlˌvaɪs /

noun

1. a small alpine flowering plant, Leontopodium alpinum, having white woolly oblong leaves and a tuft of attractive floral leaves surrounding the flowers: family Asteraceae (composites)

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Etymology

Origin of edelweiss

1860–65; < German, equivalent to edel noble + weiss white

Example Sentences

The edelweiss has been replanted and, perhaps, next spring, its small white flowers will look happy to meet the next batch of tourists.

From BBC • Jul. 25, 2024

Bellotti added a Swiss touch with leather clad cowbells on bags, and edelweiss hanging by a chain in a mesh pouch.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 23, 2023

Why are one lady’s edelweiss plants — bought to remind herself of a walking holiday in the Dolomites — all “looking quite dead?”

From Washington Post • Feb. 27, 2023

In the meadow, the snow had thawed, replaced by a shag carpet of grass and edelweiss.

From Newsweek • Jul. 6, 2013

It was not edelweiss, of course, for edelweiss is not native to England, but it was close enough to make Penelope’s thoughts gain force and speed, like a velocipede flying down a hill.

From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood