alligator bonnet

noun

1

: either of two water plants of the genus Nymphaea:

a

: a yellow pond lily (N. sagittaefolia)

b

: a fragrant water lily (N. odorata)

2

: the flower or fruit of alligator bonnets

Word History

Etymology

so called from the appearance of the blossoms and its growth in the habitat of alligators

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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