n. 1. a. A small tree (Citrus bergamia) commercially grown chiefly in southern Italy for its sour citrus fruits, the rinds of which yield an aromatic oil. Also called bergamot orange. b. The oil itself, used extensively in perfumery. Also called bergamot oil. 2. Any of various aromatic plants in the genus Monarda of the mint family. [French bergamote, from Italian bergamotta, from Ottoman Turkish beg armudu, bey's pear (equivalent to modern Turkish bey armudu) : beg, bey; see BEY + armut, armud-, pear (from Persian amrūd, from Middle Persian ūrmōd) + -u, possessive suff.] (click for a larger image) bergamotCitrus bergamia |
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