PRUNUS

[pru.nus] n [NL, fr. L, plum tree, fr. Gk proumne] (1901): any of a genus (Prunus) of drupaceous trees or shrubs of the rose family that have showy clusters of usu. white or pink flowers first appearing in the spring often before the leaves including many grown for ornament or for their fruit (as the plum, cherry, or apricot)