Jasminum
/ˈdʒæz.mɪ.nəm/noun
A genus of fragrant shrubs and vines in the olive family, including jasmine.
Did you know?The word ultimately comes from Persian and Arabic forms meaning jasmine, and the plant’s intoxicating scent helped make it a symbol of love, purity, and sensual enchantment across cultures.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Persian
Persian
yasamīn
“jasmine, the fragrant flowering plant”
Medieval Arabic
Arabic
yas(a)mīn
“jasmine”
Late Medieval Latin
Latin
jasminum
“jasmine plant”
16th Century
English
jasmine
“the fragrant flowering plant”
Modern Scientific Latin
Latin
Jasminum
“the botanical genus of jasmine plants”