noun
buttercup
Buttercup (noun) means any of many herbs, of the genus Ranunculus, having yellow flowers; the crowfoot.
noun
1
Any of many herbs, of the genus Ranunculus, having yellow flowers; the crowfoot.
2
Any flower of the genus Narcissus; a daffodil.
3
Ellipsis of buttercup squash.
4
An affectionate or ironic term of address.
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Etymology
From butter + cup. Both sense 1 and 2 are from the flowers' association with butter, from their yellow colour. Compare butterflower for a similar derivation; outside of English, compare Dutch boterbloem, German Butterblume.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of buttercup?
"buttercup" (noun) means any of many herbs, of the genus Ranunculus, having yellow flowers; the crowfoot.
What are the different meanings of buttercup?
"buttercup" has 3 main meanings: 1. Any of many herbs, of the genus Ranunculus, having yellow flowers; the crowfoot; 2. Any flower of the genus Narcissus; a daffodil; 3. Ellipsis of buttercup squash.