vitex

noun

vi·​tex

ˈvīˌteks

1

Vitex : a large genus of chiefly tropical shrubs and trees (family Verbenaceae) having divided leaves and forking cymes of small flowers with a short tube and bilabiate limb

2

plural vitexes : any plant of the genus Vitex

especially : chaste tree sense 1

These are plants we should ask nurseries to grow for us again. We proved with vitex that demand could ensure a steady supply.

—Neil Sperry, Fort Worth Star Telegram, 21 Jan. 2012

3

plural vitexes : chaste tree sense 2

He guides them through a careful six-month transition, slowly shifting the balance from drugs to herbs such as vitex and black cohosh.

—Erika Lenz, Utne Reader, May/June 1999

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Vitic-, Vitex, from Latin, chaste tree

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