Cedrus
/ˈkeː.drus/noun
A genus of large evergreen coniferous trees commonly known as cedars.
Did you know?Ancient writers prized cedar oil and resin for ritual fragrance, medicines, and preservation, while cedar wood was associated with temples and royal construction.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
κέδρος (kédros)
“A fragrant evergreen tree or its aromatic wood; the ultimate origin is uncertain and may be pre-Greek.”
Classical Latin
Latin
cedrus
“Cedar tree, especially the fragrant timber or resin-producing tree.”
Late Latin
Latin
cedrus
“Cedar wood and its aromatic products, including oil or resin.”
Old French
Old French
cedre
“Cedar tree or cedar wood.”
14th Century
Middle English
cedre
“Cedar, an evergreen tree valued for its durable and fragrant wood.”
Modern English
English
cedar
“A fragrant evergreen tree or the wood obtained from it; the botanical genus remains Cedrus.”