asphodel

[ as-fuh-del ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

any of various southern European plants of the genera Asphodelus and Asphodeline, of the lily family, having white, pink, or yellow flowers in elongated clusters.
any of various other plants, as the daffodil.

asphodel

/ ˈæsfəˌdɛl /

See bog asphodel
any of various S European liliaceous plants of the genera Asphodelus and Asphodeline, having clusters of white or yellow flowers Compare bog asphodel
any of various other plants, such as the daffodil
an unidentified flower of Greek legend, probably a narcissus, said to cover the Elysian fields

1590–1600; < Latin asphodelus < Greek asphódelos the asphodel. See daffodil

C16: from Latin asphodelus, from Greek asphodelos, of obscure origin

Doubtless the dispute is still being carried on between these chieftains from their beds of asphodel and moly in Elysium.

The asphodel was a favourite plant among the ancients, who were in the habit of planting it round their tombs.

They know not how much more the half is than the whole, nor what great advantage there is in mallow and asphodel 1301.

As she rose and stretched forth her slender hand, he gave her the asphodel cluster, but was careful not to touch her fingers.

With the promise to be at the same place again on the morrow, she takes leave of him, after she has obtained the asphodel cluster.

April 18, 2024petrichor

[pet-ri-kawr]

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

Browse