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Glite Dictionary
California sycamore

California sycamore

7.6
A tall tree with pale, peeling bark and large lobed leaves
  • noun
  • US
translation icon : sicomoro de California
  • Botanists studied the unique bark patterns of the California sycamore during their field research.

Examples

  • The California sycamore is known for its distinctive bark.

  • Many parks in Southern California feature the shade of a large California sycamore.

  • The California sycamore is commonly found near streams and rivers in its native habitat.

  • Many California sycamores grow along the riverside.

  • The California sycamore grows well in warm climates, providing ample shade during the summer.

  • In the park, children play under the sprawling branches of a California sycamore.

  • The distinctive bark of the California sycamore peels away to reveal a smooth, light surface.

Synonyms

sycamore
vsCalifornia sycamore
10 4.8

A large tree with pale, peeling bark and broad leaves that gives good shade

is a narrower native species from Baja California with matching leaves and flowers
Platanus racemosa
vsCalifornia sycamore
  • Specialized
9.9

A tall California tree with peeling bark, large lobed leaves, and round flower clusters

is the common everyday name used for that species

Surface Forms

California sycamore singular
California sycamores plural

Morphology

California + sycamore

This is a straightforward place-name + noun compound: a sycamore associated with California. An average B1 learner who knows 'California' and 'sycamore' can infer it refers to the tree found in or native to California, since the construction is fully compositional and not idiomatic.

Etymology

California sycamore is a name that points to a sycamore tree from California. The word sycamore was used for trees with very large, hand-shaped leaves and pale, patchy bark, so the name helps you picture the tall 'tree' with big 'leaves' and light bark.