Sunflower: meaning, definitions and examples
🌻
sunflower
[ ˈsʌnˌflaʊər ]
plant type
A sunflower is a tall, bright yellow flower that turns to face the sun as it moves across the sky. Known scientifically as Helianthus annuus, it is cultivated primarily for its seeds and oil. Sunflowers are also appreciated for their ornamental value in gardens.
Synonyms
Helianthus, sun bloom.
Examples of usage
- The sunflower in my garden is blooming beautifully.
- We planted sunflowers to attract bees and butterflies.
- He took a picture of a field full of sunflowers.
Translations
Translations of the word "sunflower" in other languages:
🇵🇹 girassol
🇮🇳 सूरजमुखी
🇩🇪 Sonnenblume
🇮🇩 bunga matahari
🇺🇦 соняшник
🇵🇱 słonecznik
🇯🇵 ひまわり
🇫🇷 tournesol
🇪🇸 girasol
🇹🇷 günebakan
🇰🇷 해바라기
🇸🇦 عبّاد الشمس
🇨🇿 slunečnice
🇸🇰 slnečnica
🇨🇳 向日葵
🇸🇮 sončnica
🇮🇸 sólblóm
🇰🇿 күнбағыс
🇬🇪 მზესუმზირა
🇦🇿 günəbaxan
🇲🇽 girasol
Etymology
The word 'sunflower' comes from the Middle English 'soneflour', which itself is derived from the Old English 'sunneflōwe'. The term 'sun' refers to the plant's behavior of turning its flower head to face the sun, a phenomenon known as heliotropism. The sunflower's association with the sun can be traced back to ancient civilizations, particularly among the indigenous peoples of the Americas who revered this plant as a symbol of sustenance and energy. The sunflower was domesticated around 1000 B.C., primarily by the Native Americans. They used its seeds for food, its oil for cooking and its stalks for making fibres. Over time, sunflowers were introduced to Europe in the 16th century, where they gained popularity for their striking appearance and versatility. Today, sunflowers are a common sight in fields, gardens, and agricultural lands across the globe, symbolizing warmth and positivity.