lavender

[ lav-uh n-der ]
/ ˈlæv ən dər /

noun

a pale bluish purple.
any Old World plant or shrub belonging to the genus Lavandula, of the mint family, especially L. angustifolia, having spikes of fragrant, pale purple flowers.
the dried flowers or other parts of this plant placed among linen, clothes, etc., for scent or as a preservative.
Also called lavender water. toilet water, shaving lotion, or the like, made with a solution of oil of lavender.

adjective

of the color lavender.
Informal.
  1. of or relating to homosexuality.
  2. homosexual or effeminate.

Origin of lavender

1225–75; Middle English lavendre < Anglo-French < Medieval Latin lavendula, variant of livendula, nasalized variant of *lividula a plant livid in color. See livid, -ule

Example sentences from the Web for lavender

British Dictionary definitions for lavender

lavender
/ (ˈlævəndə) /

noun

any of various perennial shrubs or herbaceous plants of the genus Lavandula, esp L. vera, cultivated for its mauve or blue flowers and as the source of a fragrant oil (oil of lavender): family Lamiaceae (labiates) See also spike lavender Compare sea lavender
the dried parts of L. vera, used to perfume clothes
  1. a pale or light bluish-purple to a very pale violet colour
  2. (as adjective)lavender socks
perfume scented with lavender
(modifier) informal of or relating to homosexuality lavender language

Word Origin for lavender

C13: lavendre, via French from Medieval Latin lavendula, of obscure origin