Word Study
oleander
CIDE DICTIONARY
oleander, n. [F. oléandre (cf. It. oleandro, LL. lorandrum), prob. corrupted, under the influence of laurus laurel, fr. L. rhododendron, Gr. ; rose + tree.].
A beautiful evergreen shrub (Nerium oleander ) of the Dogbane family, having clusters of fragrant red, white, or pink flowers. It is a native of the East Indies, but the red variety has become common in the south of Europe. Called also rosebay , rose laurel , and South-sea rose . [1913 Webster]
" Every part of the plant is dangerously poisonous, and death has occured from using its wood for skewers in cooking meat." [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
oleander, n. an evergreen poisonous shrub, Nerium oleander, native to the Mediterranean and bearing clusters of white, pink, or red flowers.
Etymology
med.L
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