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myrtle definition

myr·tle (mʉrt′'l)

noun

  1. any of a genus (Myrtus) of plants of the myrtle family, with evergreen leaves, white or pinkish flowers, and dark, fragrant berries
  2. any of various other plants, as the periwinkle and the California laurel

Etymology: ME mirtille < OFr myrtille < ML myrtillus, dim. < L myrtus < Gr myrtos, myrtle, prob. < Sem; ? akin to Ar murr, myrrh

adjective

designating a family (Myrtaceae, order Myrtales) of dicotyledonous, evergreen trees and shrubs, including eucalyptus, guava, clove, and blue gum
Myrtle definition

Myr·tle (mʉrt′'l)

noun

a feminine name

Etymology: < myrtle

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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