lavender
UK[ˈlævəndə]US[ˈlævəndər]
n
A small shrub with narrow leaves and sweet-smelling purple flowers
n
A pale purple colour like that of lavender flowers
Etymology
The word 'lavender' has a fragrant journey through language, originating from the Medieval Latin 'lavendula'. This Latin term is believed to be an alteration of 'livendula', possibly derived from 'lividus' meaning 'bluish', referencing the flower's colour. An alternative and popular theory connects it to the Latin verb 'lavare', meaning 'to wash', as lavender was extensively used to scent bathwater and laundry. From Latin, it passed into Old French as 'lavendre', before being adopted into Middle English, solidifying its association with the aromatic plant and its distinctive pale purple hue.
Analysis
The word 'lavender' is a simplex loanword. It entered English as a single, unanalyzable unit from Old French.
Examples
Fields of lavender stretched across the Provencal countryside, filling the air with a calming scent.
She painted her bedroom walls a soft shade of lavender.
A sachet of dried lavender was placed in the linen cupboard to keep it smelling fresh.