thyme

thyme

noun \ˈtīm also ˈthīm\

Definition of THYME

1

: any of a genus (Thymus) of Eurasian mints with small pungent aromatic leaves; especially : a Mediterranean garden herb (T. vulgaris)

2

: thyme leaves used as a seasoning

Origin of THYME

Middle English, from Anglo-French time, thime, from Latin thymum, from Greek thymon, probably from thyein to make a burnt offering, sacrifice; akin to Latin fumus smoke — more at fume

First Known Use: 14th century

Rhymes with THYME

chime, climb, clime, crime, cyme, dime, disme, grime, lime, mime, prime, rhyme, rime, slime, stime, time

thyme

noun \ˈtīm also ˈthīm\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of THYME

: any of a genus (Thymus) of mints with small pungent aromatic leaves; especially : a garden herb (T. vulgaris) used in seasoning and formerly in medicine especially as a stimulant and carminative

thyme

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)—Walter Chandoha

Pungent herb (Thymus vulgaris) of the mint family, native to southern Europe, the Mediterranean, Asia Minor, and Central Asia, and cultivated in North America. A small, low-growing shrub, it has small, curled leaves that give off a fragrant odour when crushed. The dried leaves and flowering tops are used to flavour a wide range of foods. Bees are fond of thyme, and Sicily's thyme honey has been famous for centuries. The essential oil has antiseptic and anesthetic properties and is used as an internal medicine; it is also used in perfumes and toothpastes.