rosemary
rosemary Lexical Profile
rosemary Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An evergreen aromatic shrub of the mint family, native to the Mediterranean region, characterized by narrow, needle-like leaves and pale blue flowers.
"We planted a small rosemary bush near the kitchen window so we could easily harvest it while cooking."
The fragrant leaves of the rosemary plant, used fresh or dried as a culinary herb to flavor meats, poultry, potatoes, and other dishes.
"She rubbed the leg of lamb with a fragrant mixture of crushed garlic, olive oil, and freshly chopped rosemary."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English 'rosmarine', derived from Latin 'rosmarinus', which literally translates to 'dew of the sea' (from 'ros' meaning dew, and 'marinus' meaning of the sea). The modern English spelling was altered by folk etymology, reshaping the word to resemble the names Rose and Mary.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.