buttercup/ˈbʌt.ə.kʌp/EtymologyFrom butter + cup. Both sense 1 and 2 are from the flowers' association with butter, from their yellow colour. Compare butterflower for a similar derivation; outside of English, compare Dutch boterbloem, German Butterblume.buttercup means Any of many herbs, of the genus Ranunculus, having yellow flowers; the crowfoot. Lexicurio rates it Rare gem — a strength score of 72 out of 100.nounAny of many herbs, of the genus Ranunculus, having yellow flowers; the crowfoot.Any flower of the genus Narcissus; a daffodil.An affectionate or ironic term of address.“When she touched my hand, what a chill I got Her lips are like a volcano that's hot I'm proud to say that she's my buttercup. I'm in love - I'm all shook up.”