thyme
(Science: botany) Any plant of the labiate genus thymus. The garden thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a warm, pungent aromatic, much used to give a relish to seasoning and soups. Ankle deep in moss and flowery thyme. (Cowper) cat thyme, a labiate plant (Teucrium Marum) of the Mediterranean religion. Cats are said to be fond of rolling on it. Wild thyme, Thymus Serpyllum, common on banks and hillsides in Europe. I know a bank where the wild thyme blows. (Shak)
Origin: OE. Tyme, L. Thymum, Gr,; cf, to sacrifice, a sacrifice, offering, incense: cf. F. Thym; perhaps so named because of its sweet smell. Cf. Fume.
Dictionary > Thyme
