lilac

li·lac

noun \ˈlī-ˌläk, -ˌlak, -lək\

Definition of LILAC

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

Illustration of LILAC

Origin of LILAC

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

First Known Use: 1625