lilac

[ lahy-luh k, -lahk, -lak ]
/ ˈlaɪ lək, -lɑk, -læk /

noun

any of various shrubs belonging to the genus Syringa, of the olive family, as S. vulgaris, having large clusters of fragrant purple or white flowers: the state flower of New Hampshire.
pale reddish purple.

adjective

having the color lilac.

Origin of lilac

1615–25; < Spanish < Arabic līlak < Persian, assimilated variant of nīlak bluish, equivalent to nīl blue, indigo (< Sanskrit nīla) + -ak suffix of appurtenance

Words nearby lilac

Example sentences from the Web for lilac

British Dictionary definitions for lilac

lilac
/ (ˈlaɪlək) /

noun

Also called: syringa any of various Eurasian oleaceous shrubs or small trees of the genus Syringa, esp S. vulgaris (common lilac) which has large sprays of purple or white fragrant flowers
French lilac another name for goat's-rue (def. 1)
  1. a light or moderate purple colour, sometimes with a bluish or reddish tinge
  2. (as adjective)a lilac carpet

Word Origin for lilac

C17: via French from Spanish, from Arabic līlak, changed from Persian nīlak bluish, from nīl blue