"perennial evergreen shrub," 1382, from O.Fr. rue, earlier rude, from L. ruta "rue," probably from Gk. rhyte, of uncertain etymology, originally a Peloponnesian word. The bitter taste of its leaves led to many punning allusions to the noun form of rue (v.).
Main Entry: rue Pronunciation: 'rü Function: noun : a strong-scented perennial woody herb (Ruta graveolens of the family Rutaceae, the ruefamily) that has bitter leaves used in medicine