[myr.tle] n, often attrib [ME mirtille, fr. MF, fr. ML myrtillus, fr. L myrtus, fr. Gk myrtos] (1562) 1 a: a common evergreen bushy shrub (Myrtus communis) of southern Europe with oval to lance-shaped shiny leaves, fragrant white or rosy flowers, and black berries b: any of a family (Myrtaceae, the myrtle family) of chiefly tropical shrubs or trees to which the common myrtle belongs
2. a: [1]periwinkle 1a b: california laurel