carnation UK /kɑːˈneɪ.ʃən/US /kɑɹˈneɪ.ʃən/noun 7adjective 2forms 1 noun7 •The type of flower they bear, originally flesh-coloured, but since hybridizing found in a variety of colours. •A type of Eurasian plant widely cultivated for its flowers. •originally, Dianthus caryophyllus •other members of genus Dianthus and hybrids •A rosy pink colourAnd the women of New Bedford, they bloom like their own red roses. But roses only bloom in summer; whereas the fine carnation of their cheeks is perennial as sunlight in the seventh heavens. — 1851 •A scarlet colour. •(no longer used) The pinkish colors used in art to render human face and flesh adjective2 •Of a rosy pink or red colour. •(no longer used) Of a human flesh color. formscarnations
