columbine
Meaning
a plant of the buttercup family, with showy flowers that have backward-pointing spurs and slender, divided leaves.
(historical) a character in traditional pantomime, the sweetheart of harlequin.
of or relating to a dove or pigeon.
Structure
Usage
the delicate purple columbine grew wild along the edge of the forest path.
in the old comedy, harlequin would always try to woo the charming columbine.
the columbine dove, with its soft grey plumage, is a symbol of peace.
Etymology
The word 'columbine' originates from the Latin 'columbinus', meaning 'dove-like'. This adjective is formed from 'columba' (dove, pigeon) and the adjectival suffix '-inus'. The connection to the plant is believed to be due to the flower's inverted shape, whose five spurred petals were fancifully thought to resemble a cluster of five doves. The pantomime character name later borrowed this floral term for its connotations of innocence and gentleness, qualities traditionally associated with doves.
Analysis
columb (from latin 'columba', meaning dove or pigeon). ine (a latin-derived suffix forming adjectives meaning 'of or pertaining to', 'of the nature of').