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

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

From BBC

New Mexico’s piñon and juniper trees — and chiles.

From Los Angeles Times

When rarer trees are found, like wild service, black poplar and juniper, seed is taken for growing in polytunnels and outdoors at the nursery until they are ready to be planted.

From BBC

The state said that along with grass, the main trees burning in the fires were pines and junipers.

From New York Times

Eventually, he settled on the eight most frequently mentioned: desert dates, Yemeni Sidr honey, sycamore figs, Israeli golden raisins, prickly juniper berries, carob fruit, black cumin and frankincense.

From New York Times