lily

lily [lil′ē]

n.

pl. lilies [ME lilie < OE < L lilium]

1. any of a large genus (Lilium) of perennial plants of the lily family, grown from a bulb and having typically trumpet-shaped flowers, white or colored

2. the flower or the bulb of any of these plants

3. any of several plants similar to the true lily, as the waterlily

4. the flower of any of these plants

5. the heraldic fleur-de-lis, as in the royal arms of France

adj.

1. designating a family (Liliaceae, order Liliales) of monocotyledonous, usually herbaceous, plants, including the tulips, hyacinths, onions, and asparagus

2. like a lily, as in whiteness, delicacy, purity, etc.

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gild the lily

to attempt vain improvements on something that is already excellent or perfect