O′le‐an″der (?), n. [F. oléandre (cf. It. oleandro, LL. lorandrum), prob. corrupted, under the influence of laurus laurel, fr. L. rhododendron, Gr. �; � rose + � tree.] (Bot.) A beautiful evergreen shrub of the Dogbane family, having clusters of fragrant red or white 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.
☞ Every part of the plant is dangerously poisonous, and death has occured from using its wood for skewers in cooking meat.