Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
dictionary thesaurus view recents

Amyris

noun
Save Word
Am·​y·​ris | \ ˈamərə̇s \

Definition of Amyris

: a genus of tropical American trees and shrubs (family Rutaceae) with compound leaves and white flowers

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

First Known Use of Amyris

1764, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for Amyris

New Latin, probably irregular from Greek amyros not watery, probably from a- (akin to hama together) + myron sweet oil, unguent; from the oily quality of the plant

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about Amyris

Time Traveler for Amyris

Time Traveler

The first known use of Amyris was in 1764

See more words from the same year

Statistics for Amyris

Cite this Entry

“Amyris.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Amyris. Accessed 28 Oct. 2020.

Comments on Amyris

What made you want to look up Amyris? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

Cassandra

Listen to the pronunciation of Cassandra

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Namesakes Word Quiz

  • a citrus fruit possibly named after a person
  • Which of the following is a fruit named after a Moroccan seaport?
Spell It

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Dictionary Devil

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games