flamboyant

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun showy tropical tree or shrub native to Madagascar; widely planted in tropical regions for its immense racemes of scarlet and orange flowers; sometimes placed in genus Poinciana
  2. adjective marked by ostentation but often tasteless
  3. adjective elaborately or excessively ornamented

Etymology

Borrowed from French flamboyant (“flaming, wavy”), participle of flamboyer (“to flame”), from Old French flamboier, from flambe (“flame”). The architectural style derives its name from the flame-like shapes in the tracery.

In classic literature

Synonyms

royal poinciana, flame tree, peacock flower, Delonix regia, Poinciana regia

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