bay laurel

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bay laurel

A chef adds a bay laurel leaf to a simmering pot of soup.

Definition

Noun: 1. A small evergreen tree: A small Mediterranean evergreen tree (Laurus nobilis) with glossy, aromatic leaves, small blackish berries, and historically significant uses. 2. A source of bay leaves: The plant whose dried leaves (bay leaves) are used as a culinary herb for flavoring. 3. A symbol of victory and honor: In classical antiquity, a wreath made from its leaves was used to crown victors, poets, and heroes.

Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • The recipe calls for a single leaf of bay laurel to be added to the stew.
    • In ancient Greece, a wreath of bay laurel was a great honor for an Olympic champion.
    • We planted a bay laurel in the garden so we could have fresh bay leaves.
Advanced Usage
  • "Poet laureate": This title originates from the tradition of crowning poets with a laurel wreath. While it doesn't contain the exact phrase "bay laurel," the word "laureate" is directly derived from it.
  • "To rest on one's laurels": This idiom means to be satisfied with past achievements and stop trying to improve. It references the wreath of laurel leaves as a symbol of past victory.
Variants and Related Words
  • Laurel (n): Often used as a shorter, more common name for the bay laurel tree or its leaves. It can also refer to other plants in different contexts.
  • Bay leaf (n): The dried leaf of the bay laurel tree, used as a seasoning.
  • Laurus nobilis (n): The scientific, botanical name for the bay laurel tree.
Synonyms
  • Sweet bay: Another common name for the same plant.
  • True laurel: Used to distinguish it from other, unrelated plants also called "laurel" (e.g., cherry laurel).
Related Phrases
  • Laurel wreath (n): A circular crown made from the leaves and branches of the bay laurel.
    • The statue of the emperor wore a carved laurel wreath.
Related Idioms
  • To look to one's laurels: To be careful not to lose one's superior position to a rival.
    • The reigning champion must look to his laurels with such strong new competitors.
bay laurel

A chef adds a bay laurel leaf to a simmering pot of soup.

Noun
  1. small Mediterranean evergreen tree with small blackish berries and glossy aromatic leaves used for flavoring in cooking; also used by ancient Greeks to crown victors

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