laurel

Definition

An evergreen shrub of species Laurus nobilis, having aromatic leaves of a lanceolate shape, with clusters of small, yellowish white flowers in their axils.

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English laurer, laurel, from Anglo-Norman lorer, from Old French lorier, from Vulgar Latin *laurārius, from Latin laurus (“laurel”). Doublet of loureiro.

Example Sentences

• "Laurel leaves were used in the Orient to promote amatory exercise."
• "to win laurels"
• "to crown with laurels"