blowball

[ bloh-bawl ]

noun

1. the downy head or pappus of the dandelion, salsify, etc.

Word History and Origins

Origin of blowball¹

First recorded in 1660–70; blow ² + ball ¹

Example Sentences

She kissed Helen again and again, for a dear, good peacemaker, as she always was—and "I'm resolved"—but in the midst of her good resolves she caught a glimpse through the glass door opening on the park, of the general, and a fine horse they were ringing, and she hurried out: all light of heart she went, as though "Or shake the downy blowball from her stalk."

From Project Gutenberg