Definition

A type of plant that has yellow or white flowers and is often found in fields and gardens. These plants belong to the genus Ranunculus and are known for their bright appearance.

Example

The children picked buttercups in the meadow during their picnic.

Conversation

I saw a beautiful buttercup in the park today.

Really? I love how bright and cheerful they look.

Yeah, they always remind me of springtime.

Same here! They really brighten up the whole area.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Buttercup is formed from "butter" (from Old English *butter*, meaning a dairy product made from cream) and "cup" (from Old English *cuppe*, meaning a small container). The word "buttercup" refers to a flower that is often associated with butter due to its yellow color, resembling the color of butter, and the term "cup" reflects the shape of the flower's petals.

Memory Tip

Think of the yellow color of butter when you see a buttercup flower, as it resembles butter in color, and the 'cup' part reminds you of the flower's shape.

Visually Confused Words