Definition

1. Noun:
   • A taxonomic genus of aromatic evergreen shrubs in the mint family (Lamiaceae): This genus traditionally comprised the single species Rosmarinus officinalis, commonly known as rosemary. In modern botanical classification, this genus has often been subsumed into the genus Salvia.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The herb rosemary belongs to the genus Rosmarinus.
  • Botanists have debated whether to merge genus Rosmarinus into genus Salvia.

Advanced Usage

• In botanical nomenclature: The term is used in the formal, scientific naming of the plant. The full scientific name for rosemary was .
  • The study focused on the essential oil composition of Rosmarinus officinalis.

Variants and Related Words

• Rosmarinus officinalis (n): The former scientific name for the rosemary plant.
• Rosemary (n): The common name for the aromatic herb from this genus.
• Salvia (n): The larger genus into which is now often placed.

Synonyms

• Rosemary: The common name for the plant that was the sole member of this genus.

Notes on Meaning

• Historical vs. Modern Usage: In historical and many horticultural contexts, "genus Rosmarinus" is a valid and recognized taxonomic unit. In contemporary systematic botany, it is frequently treated as a synonym within the genus . The word "genus Rosmarinus" therefore often refers to a specific, well-known group of plants regardless of its current taxonomic status.

Noun

1. rosemary