carnation

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a cultivated Eurasian plant with fragrant, usually ruffled flowers in white, pink, red, or other colors

   A vase of crimson carnations stood beside the portrait.

2. 2
   noun

   a pink or reddish-pink color associated with the flower

   The painter mixed a soft carnation for the highlights on the face.

3. 3
   adj

   pink or reddish pink in color

   She chose a carnation ribbon for the pale gray dress.

From Middle French carnation, 'flesh color or complexion,' related to Latin caro, 'flesh.' The flower name may reflect its flesh-pink color, though it was also influenced by coronation and the flower's crownlike form. The color sense developed directly from the blossom.

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