columbine
word
Definition
A columbine is a type of flowering plant known for its bell-shaped, spurred flowers. The word can also refer to the site of the 1999 Columbine High School shooting in Colorado, USA.
Usage & Nuances
In general use, 'columbine' refers to the plant (genus Aquilegia), common in gardening and bouquets. In the U.S., it is strongly associated with the tragic high school shooting, so the context is important. Not to be confused with 'combine' (machinery) or 'Columbia' (place name).
Example Sentences
Have you ever seen wild columbine growing in the forest?
natural
After the tragedy at Columbine, schools became much stricter about safety.
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Artists love to paint columbine because of their unusual shapes.
natural
The garden is full of columbine in the spring.
basic
I planted some columbine next to the roses.
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The columbine has delicate, colorful petals.
basic