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Dictionary Language resources

columbine

Syllabification: (co·lum·bine)

Pronunciation: /ˈkäləmˌbīn/

Definition of columbine

noun

an aquilegia with long-spurred flowers.
- Genus Aquilegia, family Ranunculaceae: several species, including the white-flowered Colorado blue columbine (A. coerulea) with blue sepals, and the red-flowered A. canadensis

Origin:

late Middle English: from Old French colombine, from medieval Latin colombina (herba) 'dovelike (plant)', from Latin columba 'dove' (from the supposed resemblance of the flower to a cluster of five doves)