Edelweiss
(noun)
A small, star-shaped white flower with a woolly stem, native to the Alps.
Origin:
Late 19th century: from german, from edel "noble" + weiss "white".
Examples:
- The edelweiss was a symbol of Swiss identity, and was considered a rare and precious flower.
- The climbers picked a handful of edelweiss to bring back as souvenirs of their mountain ascent.
- The edelweiss was the subject of many songs and poems, and was often depicted in paintings and photographs of the Alps.
- The edelweiss was difficult to cultivate, and was prized for its beauty and resilience in the harsh alpine environment.
- She wore a necklace made of edelweiss, gifted to her by her grandmother who had lived in Switzerland.