crocus

[ kroh-kuhs ]

noun

, plural cro·cus·es.

1. any of the small, bulbous plants of the genus Crocus, of the iris family, cultivated for their showy, solitary flowers, which are among the first to bloom in the spring.
2. the flower or bulb of the crocus.
3. a deep yellow; orangish yellow; saffron.
4. Also called crocus martis [mahr, -tis]. a polishing powder consisting of iron oxide.

crocus

/ ˈkrəʊkəs /

noun

1. any plant of the iridaceous genus Crocus, widely cultivated in gardens, having white, yellow, or purple flowers See also autumn crocus
2. another name for jeweller's rouge

adjective

1. of a saffron yellow colour

Other Words From

• crocused adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of crocus¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin < Greek krókos saffron, crocus < Semitic; compare Arabic kurkum saffron

Word History and Origins

Origin of crocus¹

C17: from New Latin, from Latin crocus, from Greek krokos saffron, of Semitic origin

Example Sentences

There were two crocuses in the snow, sure harbingers of spring.

From Literature

Ludmila shows me purple crocuses and bluebells in neat rows and the green shoots of daffodils.

From BBC

In the meantime, residents were clinging to signs that the cold would eventually retreat: a stray crocus in the yard.

From New York Times

For others, it’s when they first realize they’ve finished dinner and it’s still light out, or when the first crocuses poke up through the snow.

From New York Times

That includes classic spring varieties such as crocuses and daffodils, as well as many species of flowering trees.

From BBC