bluebottle

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun an annual Eurasian plant cultivated in North America having showy heads of blue or purple or pink or white flowers
  2. noun blowfly with iridescent blue body; makes a loud buzzing noise in flight

Etymology

From blue + bottle, after the resemblance to shiny colored-glass bottles. In sense 3 (“cornflower”), via Middle English blewbothel. Sense 6 (“police officer”) is in reference to the colour of the uniform.

In classic literature

Synonyms

cornflower, bachelor's button, Centaurea cyanus

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