(n) low tufted perennial phlox with needlelike evergreen leaves and pink or white flowers; native to United States and widely cultivated as a ground cover, Syn. moss phlox, dwarf phlox, mountain phlox, Phlox subulata
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English (GCIDE) v.0.53 Collaborative International Dictionary (GCIDE)
{ } a. [ NL. subulatus, fr. L. subula an awl. ] Very narrow, and tapering gradually to a fine point from a broadish base; awl-shaped; linear. [ 1913 Webster ]