flora
1 Americannoun
plural
floras, florae-
the plants of a particular region or period, listed by species and considered as a whole.
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a work systematically describing such plants.
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plants, as distinguished from fauna.
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the aggregate of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms normally occurring on or in the bodies of humans and other animals.
intestinal flora.
noun
noun
-
all the plant life of a given place or time
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a descriptive list of such plants, often including a key for identification
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short for intestinal flora
noun
plural
floras-
The plants of a particular region or time period.
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The bacteria and other microorganisms that normally inhabit a bodily organ or part, such as the intestine.
Other Word Forms
- subflora noun
Etymology
Origin of flora
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”
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"These habitats are exceptionally rare, rich in biodiversity, support unique flora and fauna, and are impossible to recreate or replace," he said.
From BBC • Feb. 27, 2026
The gut microbiome, also called the gut flora, plays a vital role in human health.
From Science Daily • Feb. 8, 2026
The Palisades is nested against a mountain range filled with dried-out flora, making it an “extreme” fire risk, according to an official state threat assessment.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 19, 2025
As she lived in the fear of others, Estrada found solace in the natural flora and fauna of her surroundings.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 2, 2025
Ma glances at the lush tropical landscape and concludes, “This must be the Mesozoic era. Jurassic or Cretaceous period, I’d say, judging from the flora and fauna. What do you think, Jax?”
From "Dragons in a Bag" by Zetta Elliott
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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.