Salvia
/ˈsæl.vi.ə/noun
A large genus of aromatic plants in the mint family, including sage and several ornamental species.
Did you know?The genus name comes from Latin salvia, a medicinal plant related to salvus, meaning “safe” or “in good health,” reflecting the ancient reputation of sage as a healing herb.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*solh₂-
“To be whole, well, or in good health”
Ancient Latin
Latin
salvus
“Safe, unharmed, healthy, or preserved”
Classical Latin
Latin
salvia
“A medicinal plant, especially sage”
Medieval Latin
Latin
salvia
“Sage or a healing herb used in medicine”
16th Century
Botanical Latin
Salvia
“The formal genus name for sage and related plants”
Modern English
English
salvia
“A plant of the genus Salvia, commonly grown for its flowers or aromatic foliage”