flower
/ˈflauə(r); `flaʊɚ/ n
1 part of a plant from which the seed or fruit develops, often brightly coloured and lasting only a short time 花; 花朵
The plant has a brilliant purple flower. 那棵植物开著一朵鲜艳的紫花. =>illus at App 1 见附录1插图, page ii.
2 plant grown for the beauty of its flowers; flower and its stem （供观赏的）开花植物; （带梗的）花
arrange some flowers in a vase 往花瓶里插花.
3 [sing] the ~ of sth (rhet 修辞) finest or best part of sth; prime or peak of sth 精华; 精粹; 精英; 鼎盛阶段
the flower of the nation's youth 该国青年的精英
in the flower of one's maturity/strength/youth 正当成熟[身强力壮/年轻]的时候.
4 (idm 习语) in/into `flower in/into the state of having the flowers open 处於[进入]开花期
The roses have been in flower for a week. 这些玫瑰花已经开了一星期了.
The crocuses are late coming into flower. 藏红花开花晚. flower, v
1 [I] produce flowers; bloom 开花
These plants will flower in the spring. 这些植物到了春天就开花.
a late-flowering chrysanthemum 迟开的菊花.
2 [I] develop fully; mature or blossom 充分发展; 成熟; 繁荣
Their friendship flowered while they were at college. 他们的友谊在求学时已根深蒂固.