What is the meaning of edelweiss?

Edelweiss is a small white flower found in the Alpine areas of Europe, generally at altitudes from 1700 metres to 2700 metres. Symbolic of Austria, the delicate flower featured on the old 1 Schilling coin, and is now on the 2 cent Euro coin. The edelweiss plant is a short-lived perennial which grows to 8-20cm high.