ETYM Old Eng. majoran, French marjolaine, Late Lat. marjoraca, from Latin amaracus, amaracum, Greek amarakos, amarakon.
Pungent leaves used as seasoning with meats and fowl and in stews and soups and omelets; SYN. oregano.
Aromatic herb of the mint family Labiatae. Wild marjoram Origanum vulgare is found both in Europe and Asia and has become naturalized in the Americas; the culinary sweet marjoram O. majorana is widely cultivated.