double-flowering
|dou-ble-flow-er-ing|
/ˌdʌbəlˈflaʊərɪŋ/
(double-flower)
producing double flowers
Etymology
'double-flowering' is a Modern English compound formed from 'double' + 'flower' + the gerundive/participle suffix '-ing'. 'Double' meant 'twofold' and 'flower' refers to a blossom, so the compound literally denotes 'flowering in a twofold (double) way'.
'double' originates from Old French 'double' and ultimately Latin 'duplus' meaning 'twofold'; 'flower' originates from Old French 'flor' and Latin 'flos, floris' meaning 'flower, blossom'. The productive suffix '-ing' in English turns verbs into present participles or nouns. These elements combined in Modern English to form compounds such as 'double-flowering'.
Originally the elements meant simply 'twofold' + 'flower'; over time the compound came to be used in horticultural contexts to mean 'having flowers with extra petals (double blossoms)' rather than merely 'two flowers'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the trait or condition of producing double flowers (the phenomenon of flowers being double).
Double-flowering is a desirable trait in many ornamental plants.
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Verb 1
present participle/adjective form of the verb 'double-flower'; to produce double flowers.
Some cultivars are double-flowering, making them popular in gardens.
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Adjective 1
having double flowers (flowers with extra petals, giving a fuller or layered appearance).
The double-flowering roses were the highlight of the show.
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Last updated: 2025/10/03 12:30