anthophilia
|an-tho-phi-li-a|
/ˌænθəˈfɪliə/
love/attraction to flowers
Etymology
'anthophilia' originates from Ancient Greek, specifically the words 'ánthos' and 'phília', where 'ánthos' meant 'flower' and 'phília' meant 'affection, love'.
'ánthos' + 'phília' were combined in Neo‑Latin/modern scientific coinage as 'anthophilia', and this formation entered English as the noun 'anthophilia' used in both general and scientific contexts.
Initially it meant 'affection or affinity for flowers'; over time the usage broadened to include both human liking of flowers and the biological tendency of organisms to visit or be associated with flowers.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
love of or strong liking for flowers; a fondness for flowers as objects of aesthetic appreciation.
Her anthophilia led her to fill the windowsills with potted blooms.
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Noun 2
(Biology, ecology) A tendency or preference of certain animals (especially pollinators) to visit or be attracted to flowers; flower-visiting behavior.
Anthophilia among some bee species affects which plants get pollinated.
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Adjective 1
adjectival form related to anthophilia; describing organisms or behaviors that are attracted to or associated with flowers (i.e., the adjective form of 'anthophilia').
Anthophilia appears in both human gardening habits and in ecological studies of flower visitors.
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Adverb 1
adverbial form relating to anthophilia; in a manner showing love of or attraction to flowers (i.e., adverbial form of 'anthophilia').
Anthophilia can be expressed in many ways, from collecting seeds to preferring gardens over lawns.
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Last updated: 2025/10/08 19:55