Word Study
candytuft
CIDE DICTIONARY
candytuft, n.
An annual plant of the genus Iberis , cultivated in gardens. The name was originally given to the Iberis umbellata , first, discovered in the island of Candia (The Italian name for Crete). It is grown as an ornamental plant, having tufted red,violet, purple, or pink flowers. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
candytuft, n. any of various plants of the genus Iberis, native to W. Europe, with white, pink, or purple flowers in tufts.
Etymology
obs. Candy (Candia Crete) + TUFT
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