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lau·rel (lôrəl, lŏr-)
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n.
1. An evergreen tree (Laurus nobilis) of the Mediterranean region valued for its aromatic ovate leaves, used in cooking. Also called bay5, bay laurel, sweet bay.
2. A shrub or tree, such as the mountain laurel, having a similar aroma or leaf shape.
3. often laurels
a. A wreath of laurel conferred as a mark of honor in ancient times upon poets, heroes, and victors in athletic contests.
b. Honor and glory won for great achievement.
tr.v. lau·reled, lau·rel·ing, lau·rels also lau·relled or lau·rel·ling
1. To crown with laurel.
2. To honor, especially with an award or prize.
Idiom:
rest on (one's) laurels
To rely on one's past achievements instead of working to maintain or advance one's status or reputation.
[Middle English, from Old French laureole, from Latin laureola, diminutive of laurea, laurel tree; see LAUREATE.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
 

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

    Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

    Indo-European Roots

    Semitic Roots

    The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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