Lilac

Pronunciation

• US IPA: /ˈlɑɪlÉ™k/

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

1. A large shrub of the genus Syringa, bearing white, pale pink, or purple flowers.
2. 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 ; … .
3. A pale purple colour, the colour of some lilac flowers.

Adjective

1. (colour) having a pale purple colour.

Derived terms

• lilacky

Anagrams

• Cilla