flora

¹

[ flawr-uh, flohr-uh ]

noun

, plural flo·ras, flo·rae [flawr, -ee, flohr, -ee]

1. the plants of a particular region or period, listed by species and considered as a whole.
2. a work systematically describing such plants.
3. plants, as distinguished from fauna.
4. the aggregate of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms normally occurring on or in the bodies of humans and other animals:

   intestinal flora.

Flora

²

[ flawr-uh, flohr-uh ]

noun

1. a female given name.

flora

¹

/ ˈflɔːrə /

noun

1. all the plant life of a given place or time
2. a descriptive list of such plants, often including a key for identification
3. See intestinal flora
   short for intestinal flora

Flora

²

/ ˈflɔːrə /

noun

1. the Roman goddess of flowers

flora

/ flôr′ə /

, Plural floras flôr′ē′

1. The plants of a particular region or time period.
2. The bacteria and other microorganisms that normally inhabit a bodily organ or part, such as the intestine.

flora

1. Plants, especially the plants of a particular place and time.

Other Words From

• sub·flora noun plural subfloras subflorae

Word History and Origins

Origin of flora¹

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”

Word History and Origins

Origin of flora¹

C18: from New Latin, from Latin Flōra goddess of flowers, from flōs flower

Origin of flora²

C16: from Latin, from flōs flower

Example Sentences

If you only have one day in the park, a guided boat trip is a fantastic way to learn about the area’s unique history, flora, and fauna.

From Outside Online

Like any living thing, flora and fauna require nutrients to thrive at their maximum potential.

From Popular-Science

There are few sporting events as resolutely American as the Masters Tournament, a weeklong devotional to piano-tickled marketing materials, polo-and-khaki ensembles and high-definition flora.

From FiveThirtyEight

While most deciduous flora in North America only give off a hint of an aroma during their death spiral, one tree in particular makes the air smell sweeter than the rest.

From Popular-Science

On lunchtime walks, I snap photos of flora with the also-free iNaturalist app and try to find a match in its database of more than 300,000 species.

From Outside Online

Two weeks ago, The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation pledged $5 million for the cause.

From The Daily Beast

And the flora is a thousand times more complex than we ever imagined.

From The Daily Beast

Yep, all the stuff the Clearasil pad missed is fertilizer for the flora carpeting your skin.

From The Daily Beast

Flora and I have four young children, so I write late into the night—the only time our home is silent.

From The Daily Beast

What is your process like with your partner, Flora Drew, when she is translating one of your books?

From The Daily Beast

Over the archway are two sculptured figures in red terra-cotta, representing "Flora" and "Pomona."

From Project Gutenberg

"I am sure there is no one I shall like half so well," said Isabel, truthfully; and Flora loved her for not being gracious.

From Project Gutenberg

And Flora devoutly kissed her, then gossipped pleasantly about the other guests and the people in the neighborhood.

From Project Gutenberg

If she had had "some smashing love affair," as the more romantic Flora suggested, so much the better.

From Project Gutenberg

Involuntarily Isabel glanced at Mrs. Kaye; Flora had hinted to her of the lady's designs.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• vegetation