Myrtle
/ˈmɜːr.təl/noun
An evergreen shrub of the genus Myrtus, especially one with fragrant leaves and white flowers.
Did you know?In ancient Greece and Rome, myrtle was strongly linked to Aphrodite/Venus and used in wedding and ceremonial garlands, so the word traveled through a long sacred botanical tradition before reaching English.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
GRK
μυρρίνη / μύρτος
“myrtle tree or myrtle branch”
Classical Latin
LAT
myrtus
“myrtle tree”
Late Latin
LAT
myrtilum
“myrtle shrub or diminutive form”
Old French
OFr
myrte
“myrtle”
Middle English
ME
myrtil / mirte
“myrtle”
Modern English
EN
myrtle
“the myrtle plant”