1. Also called bay tree . a tree, Umbellularia californica, of the laurel family, native to the western coast of the U.S., having aromatic leaves and umbels of yellowish-green flowers.
2. the hard, golden-brown wood of this tree, used for making furniture and decorative objects. Also called myrtle, Oregon myrtle, pepperwood .
[ 1870-75, Amer. ]