ETYM Old Eng. tyme, Latin thymum, Greek thymon, thymos; cf. qyein, to sacrifice, qyos a sacrifice, offering, incense: cf. French thym; -- perhaps so named because of its sweet smell. Related to Fume.
Herb, genus Thymus, of the mint family Labiatae. Garden thyme t. vulgaris, native to the Mediterranean, grows to 30 cm/1 ft high, and has pinkish flowers. Its aromatic leaves are used for seasoning.
(Homonym: time).
1. Any of various mints of the genus Thymus.
2. Leaves can be used as seasoning for almost any meat and stews and stuffings and vegetables.