n. 1. a. Any of numerous cultivated forms of a perennial plant (Dianthus caryophyllus) having showy, variously colored, usually double, often fragrant flowers with fringed petals. b. A flower of this plant. Also called clove pink. 2. A pinkish tint once used in painting. [From obsolete French, flesh-colored, from Old French (from Old Italian carnagione, skin, complexion, from carne, flesh) or from Late Latin carnātiō, carnātiōn-, flesh, both from Latin carō, carn-; see sker-1 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] |
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