flourish

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Pronunciation 1.2 Etymology 1.3 Verb 1.3.1 Synonyms 1.3.2 Translations 1.4 Noun 1.4.1 Translations 1.5 References

[edit] English

[edit] Pronunciation

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[edit] Etymology

From Old English florisshen, flurisshen, and Old French flurir, French fleurir; from Latin florere (to bloom), from flos, floris, (flower). See flower + -ish.

[edit] Verb

to flourish (third-person singular simple present flourishes, present participle flourishing, simple past and past participle flourished)

1. (intransitive) To thrive or grow well.
   • The barley flourished in the warm weather.
2. (intransitive) To prosper or fare well.
   • The town flourished with the coming of the railway.
   • The cooperation flourished as the customers rushed in the business.
3. (intransitive) To be in a period of greatest influence.
   • His writing flourished before the war.
4. (transitive) To make bold, sweeping movements with.
   • They flourished the banner as they stormed the palace.

[edit] Synonyms

• See also Wikisaurus:prosper

[edit] Translations

[edit] Noun

flourish (plural flourishes)

1. A dramatic gesture such as the waving of a flag.
   • With many flourishes of the captured banner, they marched down the avenue.
2. An ornamentation.
   • His signature ended with a flourish.
3. (music) A ceremonious passage such as a fanfare.
   • The trumpets blew a flourish as they entered the church.
4. (architecture) An unnecessary, decorative embellishment, on a building.

[edit] Translations

[edit] References

• flourish in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913