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lilac
noun li·lac \ˈlī-ˌläk, -ˌlak, -lək\
: a type of bush with purple or white flowers that bloom in the spring
: a light purple color
Full Definition of LILAC
1
a : a widely cultivated European shrub (Syringa vulgaris) of the olive family that has cordate ovate leaves and large panicles of fragrant pinkish-purple or white flowers b : a tree or shrub congeneric with the lilac
2
: a variable color averaging a moderate purple
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Origin of LILAC
obsolete French (now lilas), from Arabic līlak, from Persian nīlak bluish, from nīl blue, from Sanskrit nīla dark blue
First Known Use: 1625
LILAC Defined for Kids
lilac
noun li·lac \ˈlī-ˌläk, -ˌlak, -lək\
Definition of LILAC for Kids
1
: a bush having clusters of fragrant pink, purple, or white flowers
2
: a medium purple
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