viburnum

American  

[vahy-bur-nuhm] / vaɪˈbɜr nəm /

noun

1. any of numerous shrubs or trees belonging to the genus Viburnum, of the honeysuckle family, certain species of which, as the cranberry bush, V. opulus, or snowball, are cultivated for ornament.

2. the dried bark of various species of Viburnum, used in medicine.

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viburnum British  

/ vaɪˈbɜːnəm /

noun

1. any of various temperate and subtropical caprifoliaceous shrubs or trees of the genus Viburnum, such as the wayfaring tree, having small white flowers and berry-like red or black fruits

2. the dried bark of several species of this tree, sometimes used in medicine

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Etymology

Origin of viburnum

First recorded in 1725–35, viburnum is from the Latin word vīburnum wayfaring tree

Example Sentences

A round loaf decorated with viburnum berries - a symbol of fertility in local tradition - lay on the table.

From Washington Times • Sep. 15, 2023

Most important, he created a landscape design featuring plants that are deliberately low, so as not to distract from McKim’s architecture, including geraniums, anemones, asters, foxgloves, and viburnum.

From New York Times • Jun. 10, 2022

The doublefile viburnum, from China, was once considered the choicest of all viburnums but now is showing up in natural areas and on invasive plant blacklists.

From Washington Post • Apr. 8, 2019

Along the roads, laurel, viburnum, and alder, great ferns and wild flowers delighted the traveller’s eye through much of the year.

From The New Yorker • Jan. 3, 2017

Along the roads, laurel, viburnum and alder, great ferns and wildflowers delighted the traveler’s eye through much of the year.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson