lau·rel / ˈlôrəl;ˈlär-/ • n. 1. any of a number of shrubs and other plants with dark green glossy leaves, in particular: • short formountain laurel.short forcherry laurel. the bay tree. See bay² . 2. an aromatic evergreen shrub related to the bay tree, several kinds of which form forests in tropical and warm countries. • Family Lauraceae: many genera and species. 3. (usu.laurels) the foliage of the bay tree woven into a wreath or crown and worn on the head as an emblem of victory or mark of honor in classical times. ∎ fig. honor: she has rightly won laurels for this brilliantly perceptive first novel. • v. (-reled , -rel·ing; Brit. -relled,-rel·ling) [tr.] adorn with or as if with a laurel: they banish our anger forever when they laurel the graves of our dead. PHRASES: look to one's laurels be careful not to lose one's superior position to a rival.rest on one's laurels be so satisfied with what one has already achieved that one makes no further effort.

Laurel

A tree that Lucius Apuleius (ca. 126-173 B.C.E.) classed as among the plants which preserve men from the influence of evil spirits. It was also believed to give protection from lightning. The laurel was regarded as sacred to Apollo, and it was associated with purifying, since Apollo was the great purifier. An evergreen, it was a symbol of immortality; its intoxicating properties associated it with prophetic and poetic inspiration. The Pythian priestess at Delphi in Greece used to chew laurel leaves to enhance oracular powers. The laurel also symbolized victory and peace. The victors in the Pythian games were crowned with laurel. Roman generals sent news of their victories in messages wrapped in laurel leaves, delivered to the Senate.

laurel Evergreen shrubs and trees native to s Europe and cultivated in the USA. Included is the noble or bay laurel (Laurus nobilis) with leathery, oval leaves, tiny yellowish flowers and purple berries. Height: 18–21m (60–70ft). Family Lauraceae.

laurel the foliage of the bay tree woven into a wreath or crown and worn on the head as an emblem of victory or mark of honour in classical times. The word is often found in the plural, as in look to one's laurels, be concerned about losing one's pre-eminence, and rest on one's laurels, cease to strive for further glory.

In classical times (as recorded by Pliny), laurel was believed to avert lightning.

Laurel may also be used in numismatics to designate an English gold coin, first coined in 1619, on which the sovereign's head was shown with a wreath of laurel.

Lau·rel / ˈlôrəl/ a city in central Maryland, between Washington, DC, and Baltimore; pop. 19,960.