Snowbells

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A type of flowering plant characterized by drooping, bell-shaped blossoms that are typically white or pale blue in color
2. Referring to certain species within the genus Galanthus, known for their early spring blooms, often seen in gardens and woodlands
3. Describing plants that thrive in temperate climates, offering delicate blossoms that signal the end of winter and the approach of spring

Etymology: "Snowbells" is the plural of "snowbell," a compound of "snow" and "bell." The plant's name is a plain description: its drooping, bell-shaped flowers appear in late winter and early spring, often while snow still lies on the ground, so the blossoms seem to hang like small bells in the snow. The "snow" element is the ordinary Old English word, while "bell" comes from the same ancient root as the verb "to bellow" and refers to the shape of the flower. Gardeners have long used such straightforward compound names for plants, and this one follows the pattern of many other flowers named for their form and season.

Synonyms: flowers, plants, bulbs, perennials, herbs