Lilly

Part of speech: noun, proper noun

Definitions

1. A perennial plant known for its large, often fragrant flowers with six petal-like tepals commonly found in gardens and wild habitats ; a female given name derived from the flower symbolizing purity and beauty ; an informal or poetic reference to a delicate or elegant person or thing associated with the qualities of the flower
2. A flowering plant typically characterized by trumpet-shaped blossoms and prominent stamens, widely cultivated for ornamental use ; a common feminine personal name inspired by the flower's symbolism of innocence and renewal ; a metaphorical term used to describe something gentle, graceful, or charming akin to the floral imagery
3. A genus of bulbous plants bearing showy, usually fragrant flowers often used in bouquets and decoration ; a personal name given to girls possibly reflecting traits such as sweetness or grace ; a literary or affectionate expression denoting refinement or a tender nature linked to the floral motif

Etymology: "Lilly" is an obsolete spelling of "lily," and its history runs through two languages and a Greek word that the flower itself probably owes its name to, though the exact source of that Greek word is uncertain. The Ancient Greek "leírion" gave rise to Latin "līlium," whose plural "līlia" passed into Old English as "lilie" and then into Middle English. The doubled "l" in "lilly" is a later spelling habit, not a separate root. The personal name and the affectionate sense are later developments built on the flower's reputation. Girls were named after plants, and the lily's association with purity and grace made it a natural choice. The double-l spelling became common as a given name, which is why "Lilly" today is often treated as a distinct name rather than a variant of the flower word.

Synonyms: lily, flower

Antonyms: weed