Acer pseudoplatanus
- noun
- Specialized
:
arce sicómoro
- The pale, flaky bark of Acer pseudoplatanus distinguishes it from other maple species.
Examples
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The Acer pseudoplatanus is often planted in parks for its attractive foliage and shade.
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In autumn, the leaves of Acer pseudoplatanus turn a brilliant yellow before falling.
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The Acer pseudoplatanus is often found in parks.
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Look at that Acer pseudoplatanus tree over there!
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In autumn, the leaves of Acer pseudoplatanus turn a brilliant yellow before falling.
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The Acer pseudoplatanus is often planted in parks for its attractive foliage and shade.
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The pale, flaky bark of Acer pseudoplatanus distinguishes it from other maple species.
Synonyms
A large tree with pale grey flaking bark and big leaves with five rounded parts that turn yellow in autumn
A maple tree with pale flaky grey bark and leaves with five lobes that turn yellow in autumn
Surface Forms
Morphology
Acer + pseudoplatanus
This is a Latin scientific name where 'Acer' (the maple genus) gives a clear clue, but 'pseudoplatanus' is a technical Latin compound not part of everyday English. Even if a learner recognises pseudo- (false) and platanus (plane tree) they can only infer a maple resembling a plane tree rather than the common name 'sycamore maple', so the meaning is only partially predictable.
Etymology
Acer pseudoplatanus comes from Latin and Greek: Acer means 'maple' and pseudoplatanus joins pseudo ('false') and platanus ('plane tree'). People named it this because its leaves and bark look like a plane tree's, so it was called a 'false plane tree', which is why we also call it the 'sycamore maple'.
