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Glite Dictionary
Origanum vulgare

Origanum vulgare

5.3
A plant with strong, scented leaves used to season food
  • noun
  • /ˌɔrɪˈɡænəm ˈvʌlɡɛr/
  • Specialized
translation icon : orégano
  • The chef added fresh Origanum vulgare to the tomato sauce for extra flavor.
  • Origanum vulgare (oregano)

Examples

  • Dried leaves of Origanum vulgare are popular in Mediterranean cuisine.

  • Origanum vulgare is often used in Italian cuisine.

  • Gardeners often plant Origanum vulgare to attract bees and butterflies.

  • Many recipes call for Origanum vulgare to enhance flavor.

  • The pizza received a lovely flavor from the fresh Origanum vulgare sprinkled on top.

  • She always adds Origanum vulgare to her pasta dishes for an aromatic touch.

  • In Mediterranean cooking, Origanum vulgare is a popular herb for enhancing the taste of grilled meats.

Synonyms

oregano
vsOriganum vulgare
29 2.4

A herb with a strong smell used to add flavor to food like pizza or sauces

is broader, native across Eurasia rather than only the Mediterranean
wild marjoram
vsOriganum vulgare
5.0

A small plant with a strong smell used to add flavor to food

is the scientific name used in taxonomy rather than the common name

Surface Forms

Origanum vulgare singular
Origanum vulgares plural

Morphology

Origanum + vulgare

This is a Latin binomial (scientific name) rather than a normal English collocation: 'Origanum' may cue the herb (oregano), but 'vulgare' is a Latin epithet (meaning 'common') and is not a standard English word. A B1 learner who knows ordinary English constituents would not reliably derive the full meaning without botanical/Latin knowledge, though the genus name gives a partial cue to it being an herb.

Etymology

Origanum vulgare may come from old Greek and Latin words: Origanum was like 'mountain joy' because the herb grew on hills and smelled lovely, and vulgare means 'common' in Latin. So the name points to the everyday wild herb we call 'oregano' and helps explain why it is used to flavor food.