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Glite Dictionary
Alnus rubra

Alnus rubra

9.9
A large tree from the Pacific coast with hard red wood used for furniture
  • noun
  • /ˈæl.nəs ˈruː.brə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : aliso rojo
  • Furniture makers often choose Alnus rubra for its reliable, fine-grained wood.

Examples

  • In Pacific Northwest forests, Alnus rubra is an important pioneer species.

  • The dense growth of Alnus rubra helped restore the riverbanks after the flood.

  • The Alnus rubra is commonly found along riverbanks.

  • Many furniture makers prefer Alnus rubra for its durability.

  • Furniture makers often choose Alnus rubra for its reliable, fine-grained wood.

  • Many furniture makers prefer Alnus rubra for its durability in crafting.

  • The strong and beautiful wood of Alnus rubra is highly valued in furniture design.

Synonyms

red alder
vsAlnus rubra
  • Specialized
7.5

A large tree from the Pacific coast with smooth reddish wood used for furniture

is the same in meaning but uses red rather than reddish wording
Oregon alder
vsAlnus rubra
  • US
8.9

A large tree from the Pacific coast with hard red wood used for furniture

is the same in meaning but says used especially rather than often

Surface Forms

Alnus rubra singular
Alnus rubras plural

Morphology

Alnus + rubrum

This is a Latin binomial (scientific) name rather than a compositional English phrase; knowing the constituent labels ('Alnus' as a genus and 'rubrum/rubra' as a species epithet) does not allow a B1 learner to infer the specific sense 'a large deciduous tree native to the Pacific coast used for furniture.' Scientific names function as conventional labels and require domain knowledge, so the meaning is not derivable from the parts.

Etymology

Alnus rubra comes from Latin: Alnus means 'alder' and rubra means 'red'. This gives a clear image of a tree with red wood and explains why the name refers to the large Pacific coast tree often used for furniture.