cherry . ( Of the lat. ) scientific. laurocerasus , der. of the Tal. ( laurus , bay leaf, and cherry , cherry). 1. m. tree exotic family of Rosaceae, with shrub trunk of three to four meters in height, thick Cup, glossy, ellipsoidal leathery, oblong leaves, serrated margin and dark green, white flowers in steep and axillary spikes, and cherry-like fruit. It is cultivated in Europe, and its leaves a very poisonous water, which is used in perfume and medicine is obtained by distillation.