alligator bonnet
noun
1
: either of two water plants of the genus Nymphaea:
a
: a yellow pond lily (N. sagittaefolia)
b
: a fragrant water lily (N. odorata)
2
: the flower or fruit of alligator bonnets
Word History
Etymology
so called from the appearance of the blossoms and its growth in the habitat of alligators
First Known Use
1851, in the meaning defined at sense 1