cowslip

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun early spring flower common in British isles having fragrant yellow or sometimes purple flowers
  2. noun swamp plant of Europe and North America having bright yellow flowers resembling buttercups

Etymology

From Middle English cowslyppe, from Old English cūslyppe (“cowslip”), from cū (“cow”) + slyppe (“paste, viscid substance”), related to Old English slūpan (“to slip, glide, move softly”). Compare oxlip.

In classic literature

Synonyms

paigle, Primula veris

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