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Glite Dictionary
Platanus occidentalis

Platanus occidentalis

9.3
A very large American sycamore tree with peeling bark and a wide canopy
  • noun
  • /ˈplætənəs ɒkɪˈdɛntəlɪs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Platanus occidentalis
  • The bark of the Platanus occidentalis peels off in patches, leaving a distinctive mottled appearance.

Examples

  • The Platanus occidentalis can live for several centuries and grow to massive heights.

  • Many parks feature Platanus occidentalis for its broad canopy and resilience to pollution.

  • Look at that Platanus occidentalis!

  • The Platanus occidentalis is stunning.

  • Many parks feature Platanus occidentalis for its broad canopy and resilience to pollution.

  • The Platanus occidentalis can live for several centuries and grow to massive heights.

  • The bark of the Platanus occidentalis peels off in patches, leaving a distinctive mottled appearance.

Synonyms

plane tree
vsPlatanus occidentalis
1 6.1

A large tree with pale, peeling bark, broad leaves, and round seed balls that gives shade

is the single species rather than the broader genus
buttonwood
vsPlatanus occidentalis
  • US
1 9.9

A very large tree with wide branches and broad leaves that gives shade by rivers

is the same species but described without mentioning Mexico
American plane
vsPlatanus occidentalis
  • US
1 8.6

A very large tree with broad branches and peeling bark from eastern and central North America

focuses on the same species but emphasizes spreading habit not bark
Platanus
vsPlatanus occidentalis
  • Specialized
1 9.5

A group of large trees that lose their leaves in winter, like the London plane and American sycamore

is one species within that broader genus
American sycamore
vsPlatanus occidentalis
  • US
6.7

A very large tree from eastern and central North America with broad leaves and patchy peeling bark

uses the specific scientific name rather than common names

Surface Forms

Platanus occidentalis singular
Platanus occidentalis plural

Morphology

Platanus + occidentalis

This is a Latin binomial: 'Platanus' denotes the genus (plane tree) and 'occidentalis' is a Latin epithet meaning 'western', so a learner who knows both parts could infer something like 'western plane tree'. However, botanical Latin is specialized, 'occidentalis' is not a common English word, and the species is usually known as 'American sycamore', so the meaning is only partially predictable for an average B1 learner.

Etymology

Platanus occidentalis comes from old Greek and Latin words: Platanus comes from a Greek word meaning 'broad' (think of the tree's wide leaves and big canopy) and occidentalis is Latin for 'western'. So the name paints a simple picture—the 'western broad tree'—which fits the large plane tree we call the American sycamore.