/mag nohl"yeuh, -noh"lee euh/ , n.
1. any shrub or tree of the genus Magnolia, having large, usually fragrant flowers and an aromatic bark, much cultivated for ornament. Cf. magnolia family .
2. the blossom of any such shrub or tree, as of the evergreen magnolia tree: the state flower of Louisiana and Mississippi.
[ Magnol (1638-1715), French botanist; see -IA ]