lavender

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun any of various Old World aromatic shrubs or subshrubs with usually mauve or blue flowers; widely cultivated
  2. noun a pale purple color
  3. adjective of a pale purple color

Etymology

From Middle English lavendre, from Anglo-Norman lavendre (French lavande), from Medieval Latin lavendula, possibly from Latin lividus (“bluish”), but influenced by lavō (“to wash”) due to the use of lavender in washing clothes.

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