C16: from Latin orīganum, from Greek origanon an aromatic herb, perhaps marjoram; compare oregano
marjoram in British English
(ˈmɑːdʒərəm)
noun
1. Also called: sweet marjoram
an aromatic Mediterranean plant, Origanum (or Marjorana) hortensis, with small pale purple flowers and sweet-scented leaves, used for seasoning food and in salads: family Lamiaceae (labiates)
2. Also called: wild marjoram, pot marjoram, origan
a similar and related European plant, Origanum vulgare
See also oregano, origanum
Word origin
C14: via Old French majorane, from Medieval Latin marjorana
origan in American English
(ˈɔrɪɡən, ˈɑr-)
noun
an aromatic herb, esp. oregano
Word origin
[1375–1425; late ME ‹ L orīganum ‹ Gk ori᷇ganon; derivation and further etym. uncert.]This word is first recorded in the period 1375–1425. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: gauge, inventory, representation, skim, trick