Origan

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A member of the mint family known for its fragrant leaves that are utilized in various culinary applications
2. An herb recognized for its aromatic properties, often incorporated into cooking to enhance flavors
3. A plant valued for its fragrant leaves that add flavor to many dishes

Etymology: Oregano reached English from Spanish in the 18th century, but the herb itself was named long before that. Its ancestor is the Ancient Greek "oríganon," which the Greeks used for wild marjoram, a plant of hillsides and rocky ground. The Romans borrowed the name as "orīganum," and it is from this Latin form that the English word is ultimately descended, though the Spanish "orégano" was the immediate route. The Greek name is commonly linked to "oros" (mountain) and "ganos" (brightness or joy), which would describe a plant that brightens the mountainside, but this is a popular guess rather than a settled derivation, so it is best treated with caution. The word also has a twin in English. "Origanum" is a doublet of "oregano," meaning the two forms came into the language by separate routes from the same Latin source. "Origanum" is the botanical name used for the genus of marjoram plants, while "oregano" is the everyday kitchen name, and the two still share the same ancient root.

Synonyms: oregano, herb, spice, seasoning, flavoring