laurus nobilis

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laurus nobilis

A sprig of Laurus nobilis rests beside a chef's cutting board.

Definition

Noun 1. A small evergreen tree: A small Mediterranean evergreen tree (Laurus nobilis) with glossy, aromatic leaves and small blackish berries. 2. The source of bay leaves: The tree whose leaves are used dried as a herb for flavoring in cooking. 3. A symbol of victory and honor: The tree used by ancient Greeks and Romans to make wreaths to crown victors, poets, and emperors.

Usage Examples
  • As a plant/tree:
    • A mature Laurus nobilis can be grown as a large shrub or a small tree.
    • The garden features a hedge of Laurus nobilis.
  • As a source of flavoring:
    • The chef grows Laurus nobilis to use its fresh leaves in stews.
  • In historical/cultural context:
    • In ancient times, a wreath from Laurus nobilis was the highest honor for an athlete.
Advanced Usage
  • "Poet laureate": This title, for an officially appointed poet, derives from the tradition of crowning poets with a laurel (Laurus nobilis) wreath. The word "laureate" means "crowned with laurel."
  • "To rest on one's laurels": This idiom means to be satisfied with past achievements and stop trying to achieve new things. It originates from the idea of someone relaxing after being crowned with a victor's laurel wreath.
Variants and Related Words
  • Laurel (n): The common name for , or for other similar plants. Often used interchangeably.
    • She added a laurel leaf to the soup.
  • Bay (n): Another common name for , especially when referring to the culinary herb (bay leaf).
    • The recipe calls for one bay leaf.
  • Bay laurel (n): A compound name specifying the true laurel () to distinguish it from other plants called "laurel" or "bay."
Synonyms
  • Bay tree
  • True laurel
  • Sweet bay
Related Phrases
  • Laurel wreath / Bay wreath: A circular crown made from the leaves of the tree, symbolizing victory, peace, and eternal glory.
    • The emperor was depicted wearing a laurel wreath.
Related Idioms
  • Look to one's laurels: To be careful not to lose one's superior position to a rival.
    • The champion must look to his laurels with such a talented newcomer competing.
  • Win/Gain laurels: To achieve honor or glory.
    • The scientist won laurels for her groundbreaking research.
laurus nobilis

A sprig of Laurus nobilis rests beside a chef's cutting board.

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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