lavender

¹lav·en·der

noun \ˈla-vən-dər\

Definition of LAVENDER

1

a : a Mediterranean mint (Lavandula angustifolia syn. L. officinalis) widely cultivated for its narrow aromatic leaves and spikes of lilac-purple flowers which are dried and used in sachets and from which is extracted an aromatic oil used chiefly in perfumery

b : any of several plants congeneric with true lavender and used similarly but often considered inferior

2

: a pale purple

Examples of LAVENDER

1. a small cloth bag filled with lavender

Origin of LAVENDER

Middle English lavendre, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin lavandula

First Known Use: 13th century

²lavender

transitive verb

lav·en·deredlav·en·der·ing \-d(ə-)riŋ\

Definition of LAVENDER

: to sprinkle or perfume with lavender

First Known Use of LAVENDER

1820

lavender

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas).—W.H. Hodge

Any of about 30 species of evergreen shrubs that make up the genus Lavandula in the mint family, the leaves and flowers of which contain scented oil glands. The spikes of flowers are purple, less commonly pink or white. Native to the Mediterranean, lavender is cultivated widely. Several species yield essential oil for fine perfumes and cosmetics. The narrow, fragrant leaves and flowers are dried for use in sachets and potpourris. Lavender is widely used in aromatherapy for its clean, fresh scent.