Main Entry: li·lac

Pronunciation: \ˈlī-ˌläk, -ˌlak, -lək\

Function: noun

Etymology: obsolete French (now lilas), from Arabic līlak, from Persian nīlak bluish, from nīl blue, from Sanskrit nīla dark blue

Date: 1625

1 a : a widely cultivated European shrub (Syringa vulgaris) of the olive family that has cordate ovate leaves and large panicles of fragrant pinkish-purple or white flowers b : a tree or shrub congeneric with the lilac
2 : a variable color averaging a moderate purple

[lilac illustration]