Amyris

noun

Am·​y·​ris

ˈamərə̇s

: a genus of tropical American trees and shrubs (family Rutaceae) with compound leaves and white flowers

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, probably irregular from Greek amyros not watery, probably from a- (akin to hama together) + myron sweet oil, unguent; from the oily quality of the plant

First Known Use

1764, in the meaning defined above

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