flowerbed
UK[ˈflaʊəbed]US[ˈflaʊərbed]
n
a garden bed in which flowers are grown.
Morpheme Breakdown
flower
bed
flower
blossom, flower
bed
a sleeping place, garden plot
Etymology
the compound noun 'flowerbed' is a transparent formation from two native english elements. the first element, 'flower', derives from old english, itself from a proto-germanic root related to blooming. the second element, 'bed', also from old english, originally referred to a place for sleeping but early on extended metaphorically to a plot of ground prepared for plants, akin to a 'seedbed'. the logic of the compound is straightforwardly literal: a 'bed' or specially prepared piece of ground intended for 'flowers'. this modern gardening term perfectly illustrates how two simple, ancient concepts combine to create a clear and specific meaning.
Analysis
Structure: flower + bed
flower: from old english 'flōr, blōstma', meaning 'blossom, flower'. it functions as the core noun denoting the plant.
bed: from old english 'bedd', meaning 'a sleeping place, garden plot'. it functions as a noun denoting a prepared area or plot.
Examples
she spent the morning weeding the flowerbed by the front porch.
the municipal park is famous for its elaborate circular flowerbeds.
we need to add more soil to the flowerbed before planting the new bulbs.