Search Dictionary
Definition of vitis

vitis

/ˈvaɪ.tɪs/
Vi · tis
Plural:vites
JUMP TO:

vitis Lexical Profile

• noun

1

Any deciduous woody vine of the botanical genus Vitis in the family Vitaceae, native primarily to the Northern Hemisphere and bearing dense, fragrant panicle clusters of tiny greenish-yellow blossoms that develop into grapes.

2

In ancient Rome, a staff or switch made from a grapevine branch carried by a centurion as a badge of office and an instrument for administering corporal punishment.

Example

"The Roman centurion carried a knotted vitis to signify his rank and enforce strict discipline among the legionaries."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for vitis

• Rhymes for vitis

• Nearby Words

vitamin
vitebsk
vitex
vitis
vitoria
vitoria da conquista
vitriol

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed directly from Classical Latin 'vitis', meaning a grapevine or climbing vine, derived from the Proto-Indo-European root '*weh₁y-' (to twist or wind).

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Vitis. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/vitis
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.