■ noun an evergreen aromatic shrub of the mint family, native to southern Europe, the leaves of which are used as a culinary herb, in perfumery, and formerly as an emblem of remembrance. [ Rosmarinus officinalis .]
Origin
ME rosmarine , based on L. ros marinus , from ros 'dew' + marinus 'of the sea'; also influenced by rose 1 and Mary, mother of Jesus.