Violaceae A family of dicotyledonous (see DICOTYLEDON) herbs, and some shrubs and trees, in which the leaves are simple and stipulate. The flowers are usually solitary, though sometimes in racemes, mostly irregular, with 5 free sepals, petals, and stamens, and the corolla is frequently spurred. The superior ovary is 1-celled, with usually 3 parietal placentae, with a single, often curved and thickened style. Modern classifications recognize some 23 genera, with 930 species, found throughout much of the world. Viola (violets, pansies), containing herbs with alternate leaves and spurred corollas, is the largest genus and is mainly temperate. Various species are cultivated for their attractive flowers.

vi·o·let / ˈvī(ə)lət/ • n. 1. a herbaceous plant (genus Viola, family Violaceae) of temperate regions, typically having purple, blue, or white five-petaled flowers, one of which forms a landing pad for pollinating insects. ∎  used in names of similar-flowered plants of other families, e.g., African violet. 2. a bluish-purple color seen at the end of the spectrum opposite red.• adj. of a purplish-blue color.

violet
A. plant of the genus Viola
;
B. dress of purplish-blue, the colour itself XIV. — (O)F. violette, †-ete in both senses and (O)F. violet in the second sense, dims. of viole — L. viola VIOLA1.

violet The sweetly scented flowers of the wild violet (Viola odorata) are candied or crystallized and used as decorations in confectionery, or to make a sweet soufflé. The flowers can be used to flavour syrups, and both flowers and leaves can be used in salads.

violet Any of c.400 species of herbs and shrublets of the genus Viola, found worldwide. Violets may be annual or perennial, with five-petalled flowers that grow singly on stalks; usually blue, violet, lilac, yellow, or white. Family Violaceae.