aucuba

[ aw-kyuh-buh ]

noun

1. any shrub of the genus Aucuba, native to Asia, having evergreen leaves, clusters of purple flowers, and brightly colored berries.

Word History and Origins

Origin of aucuba¹

1783; < New Latin, apparently < Japanese a ( w ) o-ku being green + -ba combining form of ha leaf (earlier fa, *pa ); compare the Japanese name for the shrub ao-ki < a ( w ) o green + ki ( y ) tree (earlier *koi )

Example Sentences

The stem of the spotted aucuba is normally hexagonal, as that of the box is normally square.

From Project Gutenberg

The last plant generally included in this order is Aucuba japonica, though it is probable this plant belongs to Cornace.

From Project Gutenberg

A conspicuous example of a dioecious plant is the common aucuba, of which for years only the female plant was known in Britain.

From Project Gutenberg

The familiar Japanese laurel of gardens and shrubberies is Aucuba japonica.

From Project Gutenberg