Definition
a wild plant with a large yellow flower that changes into a furry white ball of seeds called a dandelion clock
Origin and usage
The word dandelion comes from the Middle French word ‘dent de lion’ meaning ‘lion’s tooth’. It was first used to describe the flowering plant in the late 14th century because of its spiked leaves. The English variation and spelling of the word dandelion dates back to the early 15th century.
Examples
Dandelion is the name for the common wild plant that has large, round yellow flowers that change into fluffy balls of white seeds. These seeds eventually pull away from the flower stem and travel on the breeze to root and grow new plants. Some people believe that if you blow the seeds from a dandelion plant and make a wish, it will come true.
Though many people see dandelions as a nuisance, particularly when they pop up in manicured lawns or gardens, the dandelion plant actually has a number of benefits.
Every part of the dandelion plant is edible. The yellow flowers can be fried and eaten, teas can be made from the stem and seeds, and the green stems and leaves are sometimes added to salads.
Dandelion is said to help improve liver health, give a boost to the immune system and may help balance blood sugar levels. Dandelions contain a number of minerals, vitamins and antioxidants that can improve and support overall health.
Quotations
“Beautiful as a dandelion-blossom golden in the green grass, this life can be.”
(Edna St. Vincent Millay)
“Go for a short walk in a soft rain – lovely – so many wild flowers startling me through the woods and a lawn sprinkled with dandelions, like a night with stars.”
(Anne Morrow Lindbergh)
View the full definition in the Macmillan Dictionary.
