gillyflower

English

Wikipedia

Alternative forms

• gilliflower
• gilli-flower
• gilly-flower
• July-flower
• gilliver

Etymology

By folk etymology, with influence from flower, from French girofle, gilofre, from Late Latin caryophyllum, from Ancient Greek καρυοφυλλον (karyophyllon, “dried flower buds of the clove tree”).

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA: /ˈdʒɪl.ɪˌflaʊə/
• (US) IPA: /ˈdʒɪl.iˌflaʊɚ/, /ˈɡɪl.iˌflaʊɚ/

Noun

gillyflower (plural gillyflowers)

1. clove pink
2. Any clove-scented flower.
3. A variety of apple.
4. (heraldry) A stylized representation of a carnation blossom, usually red, and shown with or without a slip and leaves.

Synonyms

• (carnation): carnation, pink

References

• "Gillyflower" in Michael Quinion, Ballyhoo, Buckaroo, and Spuds, 2004.

Translations

any clove-scented flower

variety of apple

heraldry: stylized carnation blossom