Laurustinus
/ˌlɔːr.əˈstɪn.əs/noun
An evergreen shrub, Viburnum tinus, native to the Mediterranean region and valued for its winter flowers and blue-black berries.
Did you know?Laurustinus is not a true laurel at all—the name arose because its evergreen leaves resemble those of the laurel, while its flowers and berries belong to the viburnum family.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Latin
Latin
laurus
“Laurel or bay tree, an evergreen associated with victory, poetry, and sacred honor”
Classical Latin
Latin
tinus
“An evergreen shrub, probably the plant later identified as Viburnum tinus”
Late Latin / Medieval Latin
Latin
laurustinus
“A plant name combining laurus with tinus, referring to a laurel-like shrub”
16th Century
English
laurustinus
“The evergreen Mediterranean shrub now known botanically as Viburnum tinus”
Modern English
English
laurustinus
“A flowering evergreen shrub with winter blooms and dark berries”
Explore more surprising origins