An evergreen shrub, of the genus Laurus (L. nobilis), having aromatic leaves of a lanceolate shape, with clusters of small, yellowish white flowers in their axils; -- called also sweet bay. The fruit is a purple berry. It is found about the Mediterranean, and was early used by the ancient Greeks to crown the victor in the games of Apollo. At a later period, academic honors were indicated by a crown of laurel, with the fruit. The leaves and tree yield an aromatic oil, used to flavor the bay water of commerce.
Note: The name is extended to other plants which in some respect resemble the true laurel.
Cherry laurel (in England called laurel). See under cherry
Great laurel, the rosebay (Rhododendron maximum)
Ground laurel, trailing arbutus
New Zealand laurel, formerly referred to Laurelia novae-zelandiae in the family Monimiaceae, now refers to Corynocarpus laevigata in family Corynocarpaceae (different plants or different names?)
Portugal laurel, the Prunus Lusitanica
Rose laurel, the oleander
Sheep laurel, a poisonous shrub, Kalmia angustifolia, smaller than the mountain laurel, and with smaller and redder flowers
Spurge laurel, Daphne Laureola
West Indian laurel, Prunus occidentalis
To rest on one's laurels: To rely on a past success instead of trying to improve oneself further
