crocus
/ˈkroʊkəs/
noun
- A small spring-flowering plant with cup-shaped flowers that are often purple, yellow, or white.
- Every March, the hillside is covered with wild crocus in bloom.
- She planted a dozen purple crocus bulbs along the walkway last fall.
- The first crocus of spring pushed through the snow in our garden.
- A deep yellow or orange spice made from the dried stigmas of the saffron crocus, used for flavoring and coloring food.
- The chef added a few threads of crocus to the rice for both flavor and color.
- Saffron, derived from the crocus flower, is one of the most expensive spices in the world.
- A pinch of crocus gives paella its distinctive golden color.