oxlip

American  

[oks-lip] / ˈɒksˌlɪp /

noun

1. a Eurasian primrose, Primula elatior, having clusters of small yellow flowers on a long stem.

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oxlip British  

/ ˈɒksˌlɪp /

noun

1. Also called: paigle.  a primulaceous Eurasian woodland plant, Primula elatior, with small drooping pale yellow flowers

2. Also called: false oxlip.  a similar and related plant that is a natural hybrid between the cowslip and primrose

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Etymology

Origin of oxlip

First recorded before 1100, spelled oxsanslyppan

Example Sentences

Hence Tennyson, in "The Talking Oak:"—       "As cowslip unto oxlip is,         So seems she to the boy."

From The Writings of John Burroughs — Volume 05: Pepacton by Burroughs, John

Short-styled oxlip, by pollen of short-styled primrose: 34 flowers fertilised, produced two capsules, containing 5 and 12 seeds.

From The Different Forms of Flowers on Plants of the Same Species by Darwin, Charles

Long-styled cowslip, by pollen of short-styled oxlip: 8 flowers fertilised, produced one capsule, containing 26 seeds.

From The Different Forms of Flowers on Plants of the Same Species by Darwin, Charles

Long-styled oxlip, by pollen of short-styled primrose: 5 flowers fertilised, produced five capsules, containing 26, 32, 23, 28, and 34 seeds.

From The Different Forms of Flowers on Plants of the Same Species by Darwin, Charles

The only interesting point is the frequency of the production of natural hybrids, i.e. oxlips, and the existence of one kind of oxlip which constitutes a third good and distinct species.

From Alfred Russel Wallace: Letters and Reminiscences, Vol. 1 by Marchant, James