Lilac
Pronunciation
- US IPA: /ˈlɑɪlək/
Origin
From Arabic ليلك, from Persian نیلک, from نیل (nil, "dark blue"), ultimately from Sanskrit नीला ("dark blue")
Skeat, A Concise Etymological Dictionary of the English Language, 1895
Full definition of lilac
Noun
lilac
(plural lilacs)- A large shrub of the genus Syringa, bearing white, pale pink, or purple flowers.
- A flower of the lilac shrub.
- 1907, w, The Younger Set Chapter 5, Breezes blowing from beds of iris quickened her breath with their perfume ; she saw the tufted lilacs sway in the wind, and the streamers of rose-tinted wistaria swinging, all a-glisten with golden bees ; … .
- A pale purple colour, the colour of some lilac flowers.
Adjective
lilac
- (colour) having a pale purple colour.