'Prunus Lusitanica' definitions:
Definition of 'Prunus Lusitanica'
From: GCIDE
- Laurel \Lau"rel\, n. [OE. lorel, laurer, lorer, OF. lorier, laurier, F. laurier, (assumed) LL. Laurarius, fr. L. laurus.]
- 1. (Bot.) 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.
- Note: The fruit is a purple berry. It is found about the Mediterranean, and was early used by the ancient Greeks to crown the victor in the games of Apollo. At a later period, academic honors were indicated by a crown of laurel, with the fruit. The leaves and tree yield an aromatic oil, used to flavor the bay water of commerce. [1913 Webster]
- Note: The name is extended to other plants which in some respect resemble the true laurel. See Phrases, below. [1913 Webster]
- 2. A crown of laurel; hence, honor; distinction; fame; -- especially in the plural; as, to win laurels. [1913 Webster]
- 3. An English gold coin made in 1619, and so called because the king's head on it was crowned with laurel. [1913 Webster]
- Laurel water, water distilled from the fresh leaves of the cherry laurel, and containing prussic acid and other products carried over in the process. [1913 Webster]
- American laurel, or Mountain 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 Nov[ae] Zelandi[ae].
- 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. [1913 Webster]