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.

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

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

3. 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)

Word History and Origins

Origin of juniper¹

1350–1400; Middle English junipere < Latin jūniperus

Word History and Origins

Origin of juniper¹

C14: from Latin jūniperus, of obscure origin

Example Sentences

Soon, the flames crawled up a tall juniper bush planted on the side of the home, spreading flames onto the exterior wall and roof, shortly before a wood fence burst into flames.

From Los Angeles Times

The three on West 8th Street were a type of dragon tree, and the ones on West Temple Street were junipers, she said.

From Los Angeles Times

Horvitz also left some of the original inhabitants of the garden intact, including a rose bush, juniper and four o’clocks.

From Los Angeles Times

Replace flammable plants such as junipers with succulents.

From Los Angeles Times

This area used to be covered by a thick juniper forest, but these could have been cut to facilitate iron production.

From BBC