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n. 1. a. Any of various aromatic plants of the genus Lavandula of the mint family, native chiefly to the Mediterranean region, especially L. angustifolia, having clusters of small purplish flowers. Lavender is widely cultivated as an ornamental and for its essential oil, used in perfumery and cosmetics. b. The fragrant dried leaves, stems, and flowers of this plant. 2. A pale to light purple to very light or very pale violet. [Middle English lavendre, from Anglo-Norman, from Medieval Latin livendula, lavendula, perhaps from Latin līvidus, bluish; see LIVID.] laven·der adj. |
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