Meaning of periwinkle in English

Table of contents
  1. Pronunciation
  2. Noun
    1. Etymology
    2. Definitions

  1. Pronunciation

    /ˈpɛriˌwɪŋk(ə)l/

    US accent Play button

    UK accent

  1. Noun

    periwinkle

    Etymology

    late Old English peruince, from late Latin pervinca, reinforced in Middle English by Anglo-Norman French pervenke. The change of -v- to -w- and the addition of -le seem to have occurred before the appearance of periwinkle

    Definitions

    1. chiefly trailing poisonous plants with blue flowers
  2. 2. commonly cultivated Old World woody herb having large pinkish to red flowers
  3. 3. small edible marine snail

    Examples

    • « steamed in wine or baked »
  4. 4. edible marine gastropod

Browse dictionary