Portuguese cypress
- noun
:
ciprés portugués
- The Portuguese cypress is often seen in formal gardens due to its elegant, drooping branches.
Examples
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Experts believe the Portuguese cypress was first introduced from Goa and has since become widespread.
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After visiting Portugal, she planted a Portuguese cypress in her backyard as a reminder of her trip.
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The Portuguese cypress is known for its unique shape.
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I saw a beautiful Portuguese cypress in the garden.
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The Portuguese cypress is a striking addition to any landscape, especially with its graceful, drooping branches.
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Many homeowners love to plant a Portuguese cypress for its evergreen foliage and elegant appearance.
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In Portugal, the Portuguese cypress can be found lining streets and parks, providing a lush, green backdrop.
Synonyms
A tall spreading evergreen tree with drooping branches from Mexico
A tall evergreen tree from Mexico with drooping branches often planted in gardens
A tall evergreen tree from Mexico with drooping branches often grown in gardens
Surface Forms
Morphology
The compound is compositionally transparent: 'Portuguese' denotes relation to Portugal and 'cypress' names a type of evergreen tree, so a learner who knows both words will infer it is a type of cypress associated with Portugal. Detailed botanical facts (native range, introduction history) are not predictable from the words, but the basic referential meaning is directly derivable from the constituents.
Etymology
Portuguese cypress got its name from a simple image: sailors and gardeners brought this tall evergreen from Goa to Portugal long ago, and its long, hanging branches became a familiar sight in Portuguese gardens. So, even though the tree is originally from Mexico, people began to call it Portuguese cypress because it came to be closely linked with Portugal.
