lilac (ˈlaɪlək) ![]() | |
| —n | |
| 1. | Also called: syringa any of various Eurasian oleaceous shrubs or small trees of the genus Syringa, esp S. vulgaris (common lilac) which has large sprays of purple or white fragrant flowers |
| 2. | French lilac another name for goat's-rue |
| 3. | a. a light or moderate purple colour, sometimes with a bluish or reddish tinge |
| b. (as adjective): a lilac carpet | |
| [C17: via French from Spanish, from Arabic līlak, changed from Persian nīlak bluish, from nīl blue] | |
| a stew of meat, vegetables, potatoes, etc. |
| a gadget; dingus; thingumbob. |