cowslip
NounWordNet 3.0
Noun (2)
- early spring flower common in British isles having fragrant yellow or sometimes purple flowersSynonyms: paiglePrimula veris
- swamp plant of Europe and North America having bright yellow flowers resembling buttercupsSynonyms: marsh marigoldkingcupmeadow brightMay blobwater dragonCaltha palustris
Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)
Note: There are several yellow-flowered plants of different genera bearing this name; as, the African marigold or French marigold of the genus Tagetes, of which several species and many varieties are found in gardens. They are mostly strong-smelling herbs from South America and Mexico: bur marigold, of the genus Bidens; corn marigold, of the genus Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum segetum, a pest in the cornfields of Italy); fig marigold, of the genus Mesembryanthemum; marsh marigold, of the genus Caltha (Caltha palustris), commonly known in America as the cowslip. See Marsh Marigold. [1913 Webster]
Marigold window. (Arch.) See Rose window, under Rose. [1913 Webster]
1.A common flower in England (Primula veris) having yellow blossoms and appearing in early spring. It is often cultivated in the United States. [1913 Webster]
2.In the United States, the marsh marigold (Caltha palustris), appearing in wet places in early spring and often used as a pot herb. It is nearer to a buttercup than to a true cowslip. See Illust. of Marsh marigold. [1913 Webster]
American cowslip (Bot.), a pretty flower of the West (Dodecatheon Meadia), belonging to the same order (Primulace[ae]) with the English cowslip.
French cowslip (Bot.), bear's-ear (Primula Auricula). [1913 Webster]