Daphne

[daf-nee]

noun

1. Classical Mythology.,  a nymph who, when pursued by Apollo, was saved by being changed into a laurel tree.

2. (lowercase),  any Eurasian shrub belonging to the genus Daphne, certain species of which, as D. mezereum, are cultivated for their fragrant flowers.

3. a female given name.

Daphne

¹

/ ˈdæfnɪ /

noun

1. Greek myth a nymph who was saved from the amorous attentions of Apollo by being changed into a laurel tree

daphne

²

/ ˈdæfnɪ /

noun

1. any shrub of the Eurasian thymelaeaceous genus Daphne, such as the mezereon and spurge laurel: ornamentals with shiny evergreen leaves and clusters of small bell-shaped flowers See also laurel

Word History and Origins

Origin of Daphne¹

< Latin Daphnē < Greek dáphnē laurel

Word History and Origins

Origin of Daphne¹

via Latin from Greek: laurel

Example Sentences

Daphne du Maurier’s fiction revels in the mind’s ability to play tricks on itself.

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From Thomas Mann to Daphne du Maurier, Patricia Highsmith, Michael Dibdin and Donna Leon, novelists have been drawn to the watery labyrinth where solid ground routinely crumbles and where certainty—even identity itself—might dissolve.

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"We are sorry to report that the victim was Daphne Stallard, a regular helper at Junior Church," the post on the church's Facebook page said.

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He is survived by Daphne, his wife of 57 years, daughter Morag and her husband, and five grandchildren.

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The moment feels good to crowds, in part, because it comes so honestly to the performer portraying Daphne.

Read more on Los Angeles Times