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lilac

Browse the Dictionary:: A; B; C; D; E; F; G; H; I; J; K; L; M; N; O; P; Q; R; S; T; U; V; W; X; Y; Z; #

lilac

Main Entry:: li·lac
Pronunciation:: \ˈlī-ˌläk, -ˌlak, -lək\
Function:: noun
Etymology:: obsolete French (now lilas), from Arabic līlak, from Persian nīlak bluish, from nīl blue, from Sanskrit nīla dark blue
Date:: 1625

1 a: a widely cultivated European shrub (Syringa vulgaris) of the olive family that has cordate ovate leaves and large panicles of fragrant pinkish-purple or white flowers b: a tree or shrub congeneric with the lilac2: a variable color averaging a moderate purple

[lilac illustration]

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