Definition of crocus

The origins of the word "crocus" can be traced back to ancient Greek. In Greek, the word for crocus is "κρόκος" (krókos). The plant was highly regarded by the ancient Greeks, and the word "krókos" is believed to have derived from the Greek word for saffron, which is also obtained from the crocus plant. In Greek mythology, the crocus was associated with the goddess of spring and new growth, Persephone. According to legend, when Persephone was abducted by Hades, the god of the underworld, she demanded to return to the world of mortals for a few months each year. During this time, crocuses bloomed as a symbol of her return to the world. The word "crocus" first appeared in English in the 14th century, when the plant was introduced to Britain by the Crusaders. The Middle English word "krokus" eventually evolved into the Old English word "croce," which referred to a group of plants that included crocuses. Over time, the word "crocus" became more specifically associated with the specific type of flowering plant known as the true crocus, Crocus sativus. This crocus is a perennial herbaceous plant which is native to Europe, North Africa, and western Asia. The plant has long been cultivated for its saffron-containing stigmas, which are used to make food products, medicine, and dye. Overall, the word "crocus" shows how the cultural and linguistic legacies of ancient Greece continue to influence our modern understanding of flora and fauna.