arbutus

[ ahr-byoo-tuhs ]

noun

, plural ar·bu·tus·es.

1. any of the evergreen shrubs or trees belonging to the genus Arbutus, of the heath family, especially A. unedo, of southern Europe, with scarlet berries, cultivated for ornament and food.
2. trailing arbutus.

arbutus

/ ɑːˈbjuːtəs /

noun

1. any of several temperate ericaceous shrubs of the genus Arbutus, esp the strawberry tree of S Europe. They have clusters of white or pinkish flowers, broad evergreen leaves, and strawberry-like berries
2. See trailing arbutus
   See trailing arbutus

Word History and Origins

Origin of arbutus¹

1545–55; < New Latin, Latin: the wild strawberry tree

Word History and Origins

Origin of arbutus¹

C16: from Latin; related to arbor tree

Example Sentences

The ratio of the four lipids in the spherical bubble is the telltale key to the Arbutus invention, the company maintains.

From Washington Post

She lifted a small cluster of trailing arbutus and gave it to David.

From Project Gutenberg

Fancy living where you never saw any arbutus or had the joy of picking them.

From Project Gutenberg

She placed the box of arbutus in the garden path and laid her hand on his arm.

From Project Gutenberg

Oh, the young arbutus-trees all radiant and breathing in the light!

From Project Gutenberg

Colomba stopped before the heap of foliage, broke off an arbutus branch, and cast it on the pile.

From Project Gutenberg