mariposa

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The word "mariposa" is actually a Spanish word that means "butterfly." However, in English, it can also refer to certain types of plants in the genus Calochortus, which are found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. These plants are known for their beautiful, tulip-shaped flowers.

Basic Definition:

• Mariposa (noun): A type of plant with tulip-shaped flowers, belonging to the genus Calochortus, found mainly in the southwestern United States and Mexico.

Usage Instructions:

• You can use "mariposa" when talking about these specific plants in a botanical context, especially if you are discussing flowers or nature.

Example Sentence:

• "The mariposa flowers bloomed in vibrant colors, attracting many bees and butterflies."

Advanced Usage:

In a more advanced context, you might discuss the ecological role of mariposa plants or their cultural significance in certain regions.

Word Variants:

• Mariposas: This is the plural form, used when talking about more than one mariposa plant.
• Calochortus: This is the scientific name for the genus, which includes various species of mariposa.

Different Meanings:

While "mariposa" primarily refers to the plant in English, remember that in Spanish, it means "butterfly." This can lead to confusion if you are speaking with someone who is bilingual.

Synonyms:

In the context of flowers, there aren't direct synonyms for "mariposa," but you could refer to them as "tulip-like flowers" or "native wildflowers."

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There are no widely recognized idioms or phrasal verbs specifically related to "mariposa" in English, but if you are speaking metaphorically, you might use "butterfly" in phrases like "butterflies in my stomach," meaning feeling nervous or excited.

Summary:

In summary, "mariposa" can refer to a beautiful plant known for its tulip-shaped flowers in English, while also being a common word for "butterfly" in Spanish.

Academic

Noun

1. any of several plants of the genus Calochortus having tulip-shaped flowers with 3 sepals and 3 petals; southwestern United States and Mexico

Synonyms

• mariposa tulip
• mariposa lily