Webster's English Dictionary

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lilac

li.lac \'li--l*k, -.lak, -.la:k\ n [obs. F, (now lilas), fr. Ar li-lak, fr. 
   Per ni-lak blu]ish, fr. ni-l blue, fr. Skt ni-la dark blue 1: any of a 
   genus (Syringa) of the olive family; esp : a Euro pean shrub (S. vulgaris) 
   that is often an escape in N.o. America and has cordate ovate leaves and 
   large panicles of fragrant pink-purple flowers 2: a variable color 
   averaging a moderate purple