the plants of a particular region or period, listed by species and considered as a whole.
a work systematically describing such plants.
plants, as distinguished from fauna.
the aggregate of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms normally occurring on or in the bodies of humans and other animals.
intestinal flora.
all the plant life of a given place or time
a descriptive list of such plants, often including a key for identification
short for intestinal flora
The plants of a particular region or time period.
The bacteria and other microorganisms that normally inhabit a bodily organ or part, such as the intestine.
First recorded in 1655–65; from New Latin, Latin Flōra the Roman goddess of flowers (used from the 17th century in the titles of botanical works), derivative of Latin flōr- (stem of flōs ) “flower”
The flora of a particular area consists of its plant species, considered as a whole. The word also refers to the plant life of a particular era — for example, fossilized plants can help us determine the flora at the time of dinosaurs. The use of the word flora as referring to a particular area's vegetation has been used by botanists since the 1640s, but it became common with Swedish botanist Linnaeus, who in 1745 wrote "Flora Suecica," a study of the plant life of Sweden. The word was a natural fit, as Flōra was the name of the Roman goddess of flowers. When scientists study a region's flora, they classify their findings and create a descriptive list, which is also called a flora.
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Orbiting the fish is a constellation of things and signs: flora, flags, stars, vases, moons, arrows, a human‑headed flower, a zygote and a Christian cross.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 8, 2026
Excursions are led by Orvis-endorsed guide Scott Penn, who covers the history, flora and fauna of the region along the way.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 8, 2026
The county, local agencies, utilities and property owners are in a constant battle with the flora and fauna just beyond fencelines and backyards.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 26, 2026
The government insists it has met all "green" requirements and has pledged to protect Great Nicobar's peoples, communities, as well as its unique flora and fauna, by establishing protected zones.
From Barron's • May 18, 2026
His siblings would recall him careening about, hurdling flora, fauna, and furniture.
From "Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
