thyme

noun

1. any of numerous plants belonging to the genus Thymus, of the mint family, including the common garden herb T. vulgaris, a low subshrub having narrow, aromatic leaves used for seasoning.

noun

1. any of various small shrubs of the temperate genus Thymus, having a strong mintlike odour, small leaves, and white, pink, or red flowers: family Lamiaceae (labiates)

n.plant of the mint family, late 14c., from Old French thym, tym (13c.), from Latin thymum, from Greek thymon, possibly from thyein “burn as a sacrifice,” which would indicate the plant was used as incense.