edelweiss

Everyday

A small white woolly-looking flower that grows high in the Alps and other mountains of Europe; it is a famous symbol of Switzerland and Austria. tree →

In the lessons

In geography and nature lessons, edelweiss shows how mountain plants survive cold and strong sunlight with fluffy hairs. In music, it is the name of a famous song from the film «The Sound of Music». Phrases: «a sprig of edelweiss», «the Alps».

Examples

• Edelweiss grows high up in the Alps. tree →
• Its petals look as if they are made of white felt. tree →
• We sang «Edelweiss» in the school concert. tree →
• Edelweiss is a symbol of Austria and Switzerland. tree →
• Picking wild edelweiss is not allowed in many places. tree →
• The fluffy hairs help edelweiss stay warm. tree →

Note

A German word meaning «noble white». Pronounced «AY-del-vice». The plural is usually the same: edelweiss. The song «Edelweiss» was written for a musical; it is not an old Austrian anthem, a common myth.