thistledown

[ this-uhl-doun ]

noun

1. the mature, silky pappus of a thistle.

thistledown

/ ˈθɪsəlˌdaʊn /

noun

1. the mass of feathery plumed seeds produced by a thistle
2. anything resembling this

Word History and Origins

Origin of thistledown¹

First recorded in 1555–65; thistle + down ²

Example Sentences

Still he clung to the little thistledown of hope that he should have plenty of time to cram it before the form were called up.

From Project Gutenberg

For Winnie, dark as Kathlyn was light, was as careless and aimless as thistledown in the wind.

From Project Gutenberg

The combined burden would lie light as thistledown on my shoulders.

From Project Gutenberg

It was yesterday but a straw—to-day it is but the thistledown; but I will cling to it to the last moment.

From Project Gutenberg

Tireless as thistledown that rolls here and there at the will of the wind, up she sprang and began to dance.

From Project Gutenberg