cowslip

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a low-growing European primrose with clusters of fragrant yellow flowers, Primula veris

   Yellow cowslips appeared across the meadow in early spring.

2. 2
   noun

   any of several other yellow-flowered plants given the same common name, especially the marsh marigold

   The wet hollow was bright with marsh cowslip beside the stream.

From Middle English cowslip and Old English cuslyppe, formed from cu, 'cow,' + slyppe, a word for dung or a slimy substance. The name probably reflects the flower's growth in cattle pastures rather than any resemblance to a cow or to slipping.

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