Definition
A small spiral-shelled marine gastropod mollusk (genus Littorina) common on rocky coastlines, or a flowering plant (genus Vinca) with blue, purple, or white flowers; can also refer to a pale blue or blue-violet color.
Example Usage
Children collected periwinkles from the tide pools and examined their tiny shells.
Origin
From Old English 'pinewincle,' possibly from Latin 'parvus' (small) and 'wincle' (a winding motion).
Fun Fact
The periwinkle flower's alkaloid compounds have been used in cancer research, leading to the development of important chemotherapy drugs.
Source: Definition backfill (hailey)
Related Terms
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See “periwinkle” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
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