Parma violet

American  

noun

1. a variety of the sweet violet, Viola odorata, that is the source of an essential oil used in perfumery.

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Etymology

Origin of Parma violet

1855–60; after Parma, Italy

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Parma violet

It would look like a giant Parma violet against the dark green background.

From The Incomplete Amorist by E. (Edith) Nesbit

"Yes, sir," she answered, and promptly led the way up a newly-carpeted staircase, redolent of Parma violet scent and glistening with white enamelled woodwork and plaster casts.

From Adrien Leroy by Charles Garvice

Or how would it be if she gave up being a Parma violet and went a little way down the path and then turned back when she heard him coming?

From The Incomplete Amorist by E. (Edith) Nesbit

Buy my flowers, citizens,—   Here's a Parma violet; Ah! why is my white rose red?

From Old Spookses' Pass, Malcolm's Katie, and other poems by Isabella Valancy Crawford

I found an immense bouquet on my seat, of yellow roses with thick clusters of violets round the stalk, the whole thing tied up with wide Parma violet ribbons.

From Margot Asquith, an Autobiography - Two Volumes in One by Margot Asquith

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