Definition of: laurel

(lôr′əl, lor′-) noun
1. An evergreen shrub (Laurus nobilis) of the Mediterranean area, with aromatic, lance–shaped leaves, yellowish flowers, and succulent, cherrylike fruit: also called bay laurel, Grecian laurel, noble laurel: also called bay.
2. Any other species of the genus Laurus.
3. An American evergreen shrub of either of two genera, as the mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) or the great laurel (Rhododendron maximum).
4. In England, a species of evergreen cherry tree (genus Prunus) with flowers in racemes and inedible fruit.
5. plural A crown or wreath of laurel, indicating honor or high merit; hence, honor or distinction.
6. A salmon that has passed the summer in fresh water.
—to rest on one's laurels To be content with what one has already achieved or accomplished.
—v.t. ·reled or ·relled, ·rel·ing or ·rel·ling
1. To wreathe or crown with laurel.
2. To honor. [<OF laurier, lorier <lor <L laurus a laurel]