violets Definition

any of a genus (Viola of the family Violaceae, the violet family) of chiefly herbs with alternate stipulate leaves and showy flowers in spring and often cleistogamous flowers in summer; especially : one with smaller usually solid-colored flowers as distinguished from the usually larger-flowered violas and pansies

any of several plants of genera other than that of the violet

any of a group of colors of reddish-blue hue, low lightness, and medium saturation

any of several tropical African gesneriads (especially Saintpaulia ionantha) widely grown as houseplants for their velvety fleshy leaves and showy purple, pink, or white flowers

a common violet (Viola pedata) of the eastern U.S. with deeply cleft leaves and pale blue to purple flowers

a triphenylmethane dye found in gentian violet

any of a genus (Erythronium) of small spring-flowering bulbous herbs of the lily family

any of several dyes or dye mixtures consisting of one or more methyl derivatives of pararosaniline; especially : a dark green or greenish mixture used especially as a bactericide, fungicide, and anthelmintic

a bashful or retiring person