juniper

[ joo-nuh-per ]

noun
  1. any evergreen, coniferous shrub or tree of the genus Juniperus, especially J. communis, having cones that resemble dark-blue or blackish berries used in flavoring gin and in medicine as a diuretic.

  2. a tree mentioned in the Old Testament, said to be the retem.

Origin of juniper

1
1350–1400; Middle English junipere<Latin jūniperus

Words Nearby juniper

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How to use juniper in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for juniper

juniper

/ (ˈdʒuːnɪpə) /


noun
  1. any coniferous shrub or small tree of the genus Juniperus, of the N hemisphere, having purple berry-like cones. The cones of J. communis (common or dwarf juniper) are used as a flavouring in making gin: See also red cedar (def. 1)

  2. any of various similar trees, grown mainly as ornamentals

  1. Old Testament one of the trees used in the building of Solomon's temple (I Kings 6:15, 34) and for shipbuilding (Ezekiel 27:5)

Origin of juniper

1
C14: from Latin jūniperus, of obscure origin

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