Savine
/ˈsævɪn/noun
A poisonous evergreen shrub or small tree, Juniperus sabina, native to parts of Europe and Asia.
Did you know?Savine oil was historically used medicinally, but it is highly toxic and was associated with inducing menstruation or abortion—uses that could cause fatal poisoning.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Latin
Latin
sabīna
“the Sabine plant; feminine form of Sabīnus, “Sabine””
1st Century
Latin
herba sabīna
““Sabine herb,” a medicinal plant identified with Juniperus sabina”
12th–13th Century
Old French
savin
“the savin juniper”
14th Century
Middle English
savine
“the savin tree or shrub”
Modern English
English
savine
“a toxic evergreen juniper, especially Juniperus sabina”