n. & adj.
n. 1 any shrub or small tree of the genus Syringa, esp. S. vulgaris with fragrant pale pinkish-violet or white blossoms. 2 a pale pinkish-violet colour.
adj. of this colour.
[ obs. F f. Sp. f. Arab. lilak f. Pers. lilak, var. of nilak bluish f. nil blue ]