Definition of "crocus" [cro•cus]

• Any of various perennial Eurasian herbs of the genus Crocus, having grasslike leaves and showy, variously colored flowers. (noun)
• Any of several other plants, such as the autumn crocus. (noun)
• A grayish to light reddish purple. (noun)
• A dark red powdered variety of iron oxide, Fe2O3, used as an abrasive for polishing. (noun)
• A coarse, loosely woven material like burlap, once used to make sacks for shipping saffron. See Regional Note at gunnysack. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Saffron crocus is grown in the fields of Pampore, and in the autumn, the land is carpeted by the pale lavender flowers open to the sky."
• "Of course, the idea of crocus in January tickles a Michigan gardener is very very optimistic OK, an impossible dream, but we understand and envy your warmer climate!"
• "Of the spring bulbs, the crocus are the earliest here."