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ornamental

/ˈɔrnəˌmɛntl/
/ɔnəˈmɛntəl/
IPA guide

Other forms: ornamentals

If something is ornamental, it's a decoration. The red feather in your cap is most definitely ornamental; it serves no purpose other than providing a splash of color.

Ornamental things are, by definition, just for show — they're not actually useful. So an ornamental pond in your yard might be pretty, but you can't fish or swim in it, and an ornamental telephone booth in your friend's living room doesn't really work. Likewise, ornamental plants or gardens are full of beautiful flowers and foliage, but nothing in them is edible.

Definitions of ornamental
  1. adjective
    serving an esthetic rather than a useful purpose
    synonyms: cosmetic, decorative
    nonfunctional
    not having or performing a function
  2. noun
    any plant grown for its beauty or ornamental value
    see moresee less
    types:
    flowering maple
    an ornamental plant of the genus Abutilon having leaves that resemble maple leaves
    type of:
    flora, plant, plant life
    (botany) a living organism lacking the power of locomotion
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