Sunflower: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Latin 'helianthus', combining 'helios' meaning sun and 'anthos' meaning flower.
• In Old English, sunflowers were referred to as 'sunnendaege', which translates to 'sun's day flower'.

Cultural Significance

• Sunflowers are often associated with happiness and positivity due to their bright color and resemblance to the sun.
• In art, sunflowers have been a popular subject; Vincent van Gogh painted a famous series of sunflower still lifes.

Botanical Characteristics

• Sunflowers can grow as tall as 12 feet, with large flower heads up to a foot wide.
• They are known for their unique ability to turn their heads to follow the sun throughout the day, a phenomenon called heliotropism.

Nutritional Facts

• The seeds from sunflowers are a healthy snack, rich in vitamins E and B, and contain high levels of good fats.
• Sunflower oil, extracted from the seeds, is a popular cooking oil and is known for its health benefits.

Environmental Impact

• Sunflowers can help clean up contaminated soil through a process called phytoremediation, absorbing toxins.
• They provide food for various wildlife, including birds, bees, and other insects, contributing to local ecosystems.

With rank #16,676, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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• 16673 appendage
• 16674 auspicious
• 16675 equivocal
• 16676 sunflower
• 16677 cadet
• 16678 whiskers
• 16679 congruent
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