rosemary

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun widely cultivated for its fragrant grey-green leaves used in cooking and in perfumery
  2. noun extremely pungent leaves used fresh or dried as seasoning for especially meats

Etymology

From Middle English rosmary, rosemarye, alteration (based on rose + Mary) of earlier Middle English rosmarine, rosemaryn, partly from Old French rosmarin, partly directly from Latin rōsmarīnus (“rosemary”), from rōs (“dew, moisture”) + marīnus (“marine, of the sea”). Displaced native Old English boþen.

In classic literature

Synonyms

Rosmarinus officinalis

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