Dandelion: meaning, definitions and examples

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dandelion

 

[ ˈdændɪˌlaɪən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

plant description

A dandelion is a flowering herbaceous plant in the family Asteraceae. It is characterized by its bright yellow flowers and deeply lobed leaves. The scientific name for the common dandelion is Taraxacum officinale. Dandelions are known for their fluffy seed heads, which disperse seeds with the wind. They are often found in temperate regions and are considered a common weed in many lawns and gardens.

Synonyms

blowball, lion's tooth, taraxacum

Examples of usage

  • The dandelion's bright yellow flowers attract various pollinators.
  • Children love to blow the dandelion seeds into the wind.
  • Dandelion leaves are edible and can be used in salads.

Translations

Translations of the word "dandelion" in other languages:

🇵🇹 dente-de-leão

🇮🇳 गुलदाउदी

🇩🇪 Löwenzahn

🇮🇩 dandelion

🇺🇦 данделіон

🇵🇱 mniszek lekarski

🇯🇵 タンポポ

🇫🇷 pissenlit

🇪🇸 diente de león

🇹🇷 karahindiba

🇰🇷 민들레

🇸🇦 الهندباء

🇨🇿 pampeliška

🇸🇰 púpava

🇨🇳 蒲公英

🇸🇮 regrat

🇮🇸 dandelion

🇰🇿 жабайы дән

🇬🇪 დანდელიონის

🇦🇿 qızılgül

🇲🇽 diente de león

Etymology

The word 'dandelion' is derived from the French 'dent de lion,' which translates to 'tooth of the lion,' referring to the jagged shape of the plant's leaves. It was adopted into English in the late Middle Ages. The dandelion has a long history of use in herbal medicine, particularly in Europe and Asia, where it was valued for its health benefits. The plant has been utilized for its diuretic properties and is rich in vitamins A, C, and K. Over time, dandelions have spread worldwide, often found in gardens and lawns where their bright yellow flowers stand out in spring and summer. However, they are often regarded as pests due to their ability to invade cultivated areas. The plant's cultural significance extends beyond its medicinal uses; it has been featured in literature, folklore, and art.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,443, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.