GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Blossom , n. [OE. blosme, blostme, AS. blōsma, blōstma, blossom; akin to D. bloesem, L. fios, and E. flower; from the root of E. blow to blossom. See Blow to blossom, and cf. Bloom a blossom.]
   The flower of a plant, or the essential organs of reproduction, with their appendages; florescence; bloom; the flowers of a plant, collectively; as, the blossoms and fruit of a tree; an apple tree in blossom.
   1913 Webster
   ☞ The term has been applied by some botanists, and is also applied in common usage, to the corolla. It is more commonly used than flower or bloom, when we have reference to the fruit which is to succeed. Thus we use flowers when we speak of plants cultivated for ornament, and bloom in a more general sense, as of flowers in general, or in reference to the beauty of flowers.
   1913 Webster
   Blossoms flaunting in the eye of day.
   Longfellow.
   
   1913 Webster
   A blooming period or stage of development; something lovely that gives rich promise.
   1913 Webster
   In the blossom of my youth.
   Massinger.
   
   1913 Webster
   The color of a horse that has white hairs intermixed with sorrel and bay hairs; -- otherwise called peach color.
   1913 Webster
   In blossom, having the blossoms open; in bloom.
   1913 Webster
   
         
       

2.       
   Blossom, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Blossomed ; p. pr. & vb. n. Blossoming.] [AS. blōstmian. See Blossom, n.]
   To put forth blossoms or flowers; to bloom; to blow; to flower.
   1913 Webster
   The moving whisper of huge trees that branched
   And blossomed.
   Tennyson.
   
   1913 Webster
   To flourish and prosper; to develop into a superior type.
   1913 Webster
   Israel shall blossom and bud, and full the face of the world with fruit.
   Isa. xxvii. 6.
   
   1913 Webster
   to appear or grow as if by blossoming; to spread out rapidly.
   PJC