true laurel
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun 1. A small evergreen tree: A small Mediterranean evergreen tree (Laurus nobilis) with glossy, aromatic leaves, small blackish berries, and historically significant cultural 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: The tree whose leaves and branches were woven into wreaths to crown victors and poets in ancient Greece and Rome.
Usage Examples
- As a plant/tree:
- The true laurel is native to the Mediterranean region.
- We planted a true laurel in the garden for its aromatic leaves.
- As a culinary source:
- The chef prefers using leaves from the true laurel over other varieties.
- In a historical/cultural context:
- In ancient times, a wreath from the true laurel was the highest honor for an athlete.
Advanced Usage
- "Poet laureate": While not a direct use of the plant, this title derives from the ancient tradition of crowning poetic achievement with laurel. It signifies an officially appointed poet.
- "Resting on one's laurels": This idiom, meaning to be satisfied with past achievements and stop trying to improve, originates from the symbolism of the laurel wreath as a reward for victory.
Variants and Related Words
- Bay laurel: The most common alternative name for .
- Bay tree: A common name for the same plant.
- Sweet bay: Another synonym, often used to distinguish it from other plants with "bay" in their name (e.g., California bay).
- Laurus nobilis: The scientific (Latin) name for the species.
- Laurel: A more general term that can refer to or to other plants in related families (e.g., cherry laurel). "True laurel" specifies the classic, culinary, and historical species.
Synonyms
- Bay laurel
- Bay tree
- Sweet bay
- Grecian laurel
Related Phrases
- Laurel wreath: A circular crown made from the branches and leaves of the true laurel, symbolizing victory, peace, and artistic achievement.
- Bay leaf: The aromatic leaf of the true laurel, used dried as a herb.
Related Idioms
- To look to one's laurels: To be careful in case one's position of superiority is challenged by a rival.
- To win/gain laurels: To achieve honor or glory.
Noun
- 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