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Glite Dictionary
Ficus sycomorus

Ficus sycomorus

9.9
A large tree with thick branches from Africa and southwestern Asia that produces small edible figs
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : ficus sicomoro
  • Early farmers in Africa valued the Ficus sycomorus for its shade and nourishing but modest figs.

Examples

  • The Ficus sycomorus is often mentioned in biblical texts, where it is referred to as the sycamore tree.

  • The Ficus sycomorus is a majestic tree found in many African landscapes.

  • You can find a Ficus sycomorus growing prominently in some ancient village squares.

  • Did you know that the Ficus sycomorus can grow up to 30 meters tall?

  • Farmers in Africa often plant the Ficus sycomorus for its broad shade and edible figs.

  • The biblical sycamore, or Ficus sycomorus, is known for its unique buttressed roots.

  • In many African villages, the Ficus sycomorus stands as a prominent symbol of culture and community.

Synonyms

sycamore
vsFicus sycomorus
10 4.8

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

is the specific African and southwestern Asian species rather than a general name
sycamore fig
vsFicus sycomorus
  • South African
9.0

A large spreading tree from Africa and Asia that makes small edible but not very tasty figs

is the formal scientific Latin name rather than the common name
mulberry fig
vsFicus sycomorus
9.5

A large tree with wide branches from Africa and southwest Asia that grows small edible figs

is the formal scientific Latin name for that same tree

Surface Forms

Ficus sycomorus singular
Ficus sycomori plural

Morphology

Ficus + sycomorus

This is a scientific Latin binomial: the form 'Ficus sycomorus' compositionally indicates a species within the genus Ficus, so a learner who knows 'Ficus' can infer it is a kind of fig/tree. However, 'sycomorus' is not an English lexical item and its specific referential sense (the biblical sycamore, particular traits) is not derivable from the parts, so the full meaning is not predictable without prior exposure.

Etymology

Ficus sycomorus may come from an old Greek word meaning 'fig-mulberry', because Ficus refers to 'fig' and sycomorus suggests 'mulberry', and the tree's small round figs and leaves look a bit like mulberries. Seen often in ancient towns and in the Bible, Ficus sycomorus now names the wide, shady tree with small edible figs.