juniper

noun ju·ni·per \ˈjü-nə-pər\

: an evergreen shrub or tree that has tiny fruits that look like berries

Full Definition of JUNIPER

a : any of numerous shrubs or trees (genus Juniperus) of the cypress family with leaves resembling needles or scales and female cones usually resembling berries

b : the berrylike cone or fruit of a juniper; especially : the bluish one of a common juniper (J. communis) which is used to flavor foods and from which is obtained an acrid essential oil used especially as a flavoring in gin and liqueurs —called also juniper berry

: any of several coniferous trees resembling true junipers

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Origin of JUNIPER

Middle English junipere, from Latin juniperus

First Known Use: 14th century

JUNIPER Defined for Kids

juniper

noun ju·ni·per \ˈjü-nə-pər\

Definition of JUNIPER for Kids

: an evergreen tree or shrub related to the pines but having tiny cones resembling berries

Medical Dictionary

juniper

noun ju·ni·per \ˈjü-nə-pər\

Medical Definition of JUNIPER

: an evergreen shrub or tree (genus Juniperus) of the cypress family (Cupressaceae); especially : one having a prostrate or shrubby habit (as Juniperus communis)