n. [ F. oléandre (cf. It. oleandro, LL. lorandrum), prob. corrupted, under the influence of laurus laurel, fr. L. rhododendron, Gr. &unr_;; &unr_; rose + &unr_; tree. ] (Bot.) A beautiful evergreen shrub (Nerium oleander) of the Dogbane family, having clusters of fragrant red, white, or pink flowers. It is a native of the East Indies, but the red variety has become common in the south of Europe. Called also rosebay, rose laurel, and South-sea rose. [ 1913 Webster +PJC ]

☞ Every part of the plant is dangerously poisonous, and death has occurred from using its wood for skewers in cooking meat. [ 1913 Webster ]