columbo

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun any of various tall perennial herbs constituting the genus Frasera; widely distributed in warm dry upland areas of California, Oregon, and Washington

The spelling was probably influenced by Columbo (an old spelling of Colombo), under the assumption that the plant came from there.

267.] which these good instructors, nature, youth, and health, are continually inspiring them with; they need not learn, they breed it: “Nec tantum niveo gavisa est ulla columbo, Compar, vel si quid dicitur improbius, Oscula mordenti semper decerpere rostro, Quantum praecipue multivola est mulier.” [“No milk-white dove, or if there be a thing more lascivious, takes so much delight in kissing as woman, wishful for every man she sees.”--Catullus, lxvi. — Essays of Michel de Montaigne — Complete, Michel de Montaigne

American columbo, deer's-ear, deer's-ears, pyramid plant, American gentian

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