How Do You Spell GILLYFLOWER?

Pronunciation: [ɡˈɪlɪflˌa͡ʊə] (IPA)

The word "gillyflower" is spelled with two "l's" and two "i's". Its IPA phonetic transcription is /ˈɡɪliˌflaʊər/. The first syllable is pronounced with a short "i" sound, followed by a double "l". The second syllable has a long "i" sound, followed by a single "f" and an "l". The final syllable is pronounced with a diphthong, starting with an "a" and ending with an "r". Gillyflowers are fragrant flowers commonly used in gardens and as a source of essential oils.

GILLYFLOWER Meaning and Definition

1. A gillyflower refers to a type of flowering plant that belongs to the Dianthus genus, characterized by its fragrant and colorful blossoms. The term is often used to specifically denote the species Dianthus caryophyllus, commonly known as the carnation. Gillyflowers are perennial herbs with slender stems that reach heights of up to 80 centimeters. They bear numerous rounded flower heads, consisting of densely packed petals, arranged in a whorled or tufted manner. These petals come in a wide range of colors, including white, pink, red, yellow, and purple, and boast a distinctive spicy aroma.

   Gillyflowers are highly valued in the field of horticulture and are cultivated for their decorative and aromatic properties. They are frequently used in floral arrangements, corsages, and bouquets due to their long-lasting blooms. Additionally, their petals are sometimes harvested to extract essential oils used in perfumes, lotions, and other fragrant products.

   In literature and poetry, the term "gillyflower" is occasionally used as a metaphor or symbol, representing beauty, elegance, and grace. The word has its origins in Middle English, derived from the Old French guyllofre, ultimately derived from the Latin caryophyllus. Its etymology stems from the Greek words karyon, meaning "nut," and phyllon, meaning "a leaf," referencing the plant's distinctive clove-like aroma. Overall, the gillyflower is renowned for its captivating appearance and pleasing scent, making it a beloved addition to gardens, floral arrangements, and fragrances.

2. A common plant of many species which flowers about July, having a clove-like odour.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for GILLYFLOWER

• fillyflower
• villyflower
• billyflower
• hillyflower
• yillyflower
• tillyflower
• gullyflower
• gjllyflower
• gkllyflower
• gollyflower
• g9llyflower
• g8llyflower
• giklyflower
• giplyflower
• giolyflower
• gilkyflower
• gilpyflower
• giloyflower
• gilltflower

Etymology of GILLYFLOWER

The word "gillyflower" has an interesting etymology. It comes from the Middle English word "gylleflure", which was derived from the Old English word "gilofre". In turn, "gilofre" was borrowed from medieval Latin as "girofle" or "cariofillus". The Latin term "girofle" originated from the Greek word "karuophullon", where "karuos" means "nut" and "phyllon" means "leaf". This name referred to a type of spice plant with aromatic seeds resembling nuts.

Over time, the word "gillyflower" began to be used to describe a variety of fragrant flowers. Initially, it was linked specifically to the clove-pink (Dianthus caryophyllus), a flower with a spicy scent similar to cloves.

Similar spelling words for GILLYFLOWER

• cauliflower,
• gilfillan.

Plural form of GILLYFLOWER is GILLYFLOWERS