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

IS-K also claimed responsibility for the deadly attack on Crocus City Hall in Moscow last month.

From BBC

Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack on the Crocus Hall concert venue outside Moscow on March 22 in which 144 people were killed.

From Seattle Times

The Russian authorities are aggressively pushing the line that Ukraine and the West were behind last month's Crocus City concert hall massacre outside Moscow which left 145 people dead.

From BBC

International media organisations widely reported the devastating consequences of the mass shooting and fire at Crocus City.

From BBC

As for sympathy, many Western diplomats visited the Russian foreign ministry to sign a book of condolence and, later, laid flowers for the victims outside Crocus City.

From BBC