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Glite Dictionary
black maire

black maire

9.9
A New Zealand tree with very hard light brown wood used for furniture and building
  • noun
  • New Zealand
: madera negra maire
  • Conservation efforts are underway to protect the rare black maire from overharvesting.

Examples

  • The furniture was crafted from the durable wood of the black maire.

  • The black maire tree is native to New Zealand.

  • A mature black maire can reach impressive heights in New Zealand forests.

  • Many builders prefer using black maires for their durability.

  • The furniture was crafted from the durable wood of the black maire.

  • Conservation efforts are underway to protect the rare black maire from overharvesting.

  • A mature black maire can reach impressive heights in New Zealand forests.

Synonyms

Olea cunninghamii
vsblack maire
  • Specialized
9.9

A tree from northern New Zealand with very hard light brown wood

adds that the wood is valued for timber

Surface Forms

black maire singular
black maires plural

Morphology

black + maire

The phrase is a straightforward adjective + noun composition: 'black' simply modifies the noun 'maire', so the meaning is essentially 'a maire that is black' (i.e., a black-coloured maire tree). If a B1 learner knows the noun 'maire' (here a tree name, though rare and of Māori origin), they can transparently derive the MWE's meaning from its parts.

Etymology

The name black maire comes from the Māori word maire for several native trees, and English speakers added 'black' because this tree's bark and 'wood' often looked darker. So, black maire today refers to the New Zealand 'tree' known for very hard, valuable 'wood' used for 'timber' and furniture.