jonquil
UK[ˈdʒɒŋkwɪl]US[ˈdʒɑːŋkwəl]
n
a type of narcissus with small, fragrant, yellow or white flowers that bloom in early spring.
n
a pale to vivid yellow color, like that of the jonquil flower.
Etymology
the word 'jonquil' entered english in the 17th century from modern french 'jonquille'. the french term was borrowed from spanish 'junquillo', a diminutive of 'junco', meaning 'rush' or 'reed'. this spanish origin refers to the plant's rush-like leaves. ultimately, the term traces back to the latin 'iuncus', meaning 'rush', highlighting the characteristic slender, reed-like foliage of the flower.
Analysis
this word is a loanword adopted as a simplex unit. its components are not productively segmented in modern english.
Examples
the garden was brightened by a cluster of fragrant jonquils.
she painted the kitchen walls a cheerful shade of jonquil.
the jonquil is often one of the first flowers to signal the arrival of spring.