Vimen
/ˈvaɪmən/noun
A pliant twig or slender branch, especially one used for weaving or basketry.
Did you know?Rome’s Viminal Hill was traditionally associated with viminales—osier or willow-like plants—showing how a plant name entered the geography of the ancient city.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*weiH-
“To bend, twist, or wind; a reconstructed root associated with flexible plant material.”
Ancient Latin
Latin
vieō
“To bend, twist, or weave.”
Classical Latin
Latin
vīmen
“A pliant twig, switch, or osier used for binding and weaving.”
Classical Latin
Latin
Vīminālis
“Of osiers or belonging to the Viminal; the Viminal was one of Rome’s Seven Hills.”
15th Century
English
vimen
“A flexible twig or branch, used especially in botanical and technical contexts.”
Modern English
English
vimen
“A rare botanical or historical term for a pliant twig or woven branch.”