myrtle
UK[ˈmɜːtl̩]US[ˈmɜːrtl̩]
n
an evergreen shrub with glossy aromatic leaves and white or pink flowers, often associated with love and peace in classical times.
n
the periwinkle plant (vinca), especially in its trailing varieties.
Etymology
the word "myrtle" entered english in the late 14th century via old french "myrtille," which itself descended from medieval latin "myrtillus," a diminutive of latin "myrtus." latin borrowed the term directly from ancient greek "mýrtos." the greek word is of uncertain, likely pre-greek origin, possibly from a mediterranean substrate language. the plant has been symbolically significant since antiquity, associated with aphrodite/venus and thus with love, beauty, and victory, a cultural meaning that traveled with the name into english.
Analysis
this word is a simplex loanword. it does not contain separable morphemes within its modern english spelling.
Examples
the path was bordered by fragrant myrtle bushes.
in ancient rome, brides often wore wreaths of myrtle.
she planted a trailing myrtle as ground cover in the shady part of the garden.