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Definition of origanum

origanum

/ɔːˈrɪɡənəm/
o · rig · a · num
Plural:origanums
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origanum Lexical Profile

origanum Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Any of various aromatic perennial herbs and subshrubs of the genus Origanum in the mint family (Lamiaceae), native to the Mediterranean region and Eurasia, cultivated both as culinary herbs and as ornamental garden plants bearing dense spikes or hop-like clusters of pink, purple, or white tubular flowers.

Example

"Ornamental varieties of origanum spill over the stone wall in late summer, attracting bees to their papery pink floral bracts."

2

The fresh or dried aromatic leaves of plants of the genus Origanum (especially wild marjoram or oregano), used as a pungent culinary seasoning.

Example

"The recipe calls for a generous pinch of dried origanum to season the roasted lamb and tomatoes."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for origanum

• Rhymes for origanum

• Nearby Words

orienteering
orifice
origami
origanum
origin
original
originalism

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Latin origanum, from Ancient Greek origanon, traditionally interpreted as a compound of oros ('mountain') and ganos ('brightness' or 'joy'), referring to the herb's preference for sunny, rocky hillsides.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Origanum. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/origanum
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