01 n. An evergreen shrub, of the genus Laurus (Laurus nobilis), having aromatic leaves of a lanceolate shape, with clusters of small, yellowish w…
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1.
An evergreen shrub, of the genus Laurus (Laurus nobilis), having aromatic leaves of a lanceolate shape, with clusters of small, yellowish white flowers in their axils; -- called also sweet bay.(Bot.) Also: sweet bay
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2.
A crown of laurel; hence, honor; distinction; fame; -- especially in the plural; as, to win laurels.
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3.
An English gold coin made in 1619, and so called because the king's head on it was crowned with laurel.
Phrases & compounds
Laurel water —
water distilled from the fresh leaves of the cherry laurel, and containing prussic acid and other products carried over in the process.
American laurel —
Kalmia latifolia; called also calico bush. See under Mountain.
California laurel —
Umbellularia Californica.
Cherry laurel —
(in England called laurel). See under Cherry.
Great laurel —
the rosebay (Rhododendron maximum).
Ground laurel —
trailing arbutus.
New Zealand laurel —
the Laurelia Novæ Zelandiæ.
Portugal laurel —
the Prunus Lusitanica.
Rose laurel —
the oleander. See Oleander.
Sheep laurel —
a poisonous shrub, Kalmia angustifolia, smaller than the mountain laurel, and with smaller and redder flowers.
Spurge laurel —
Daphne Laureola.
West Indian laurel —
Prunus occidentalis.