Daphnes

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Refers to multiple individuals named after the mythological nymph associated with laurel trees; denotes several plants belonging to the genus known for fragrant flowers and toxic properties; indicates a plural form of a feminine personal name commonly used in modern settings
2. Represents more than one figure connected to the classical tale of transformation into a laurel; denotes several shrubs or small trees valued for ornamental scent and poisonous characteristics; applies to multiple persons bearing the female given name derived from ancient Greek origin
3. Signifies a collection of mythic characters famed for their connection to Greek legends and laurel symbolism; identifies several species of woody plants recognized for their aromatic blooms and toxic effects; describes a group of women sharing a common name of historic and cultural significance

Etymology: "Daphnes" is simply the plural of "daphne," the name given to a genus of fragrant, often poisonous flowering shrubs. The genus takes its name from the Ancient Greek "dáphnē," meaning "laurel," the same word that gave the nymph Daphne her name in Greek myth. In the story, the river god Peneus's daughter Daphne fled from Apollo and was transformed into a laurel tree, which is why the laurel became sacred to the god. The plant names are a case of scientific naming rather than ancient usage. Botanists, working in Latin and borrowing Greek roots, gave the shrubs a name borrowed from the Greek word for laurel, though these plants are not laurels at all. The connection rests on a loose resemblance in the leaves and the aromatic character of the plants, so the name reflects a classical comparison rather than a shared family.

Synonyms: laurels, bay trees