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Glite Dictionary
crack willow

crack willow

8.2
A large tree with stiff branches that break easily, often growing by rivers
  • noun
  • UK
translation icon : sauce quebrada
  • A mature crack willow stood beside the river, its limbs arching over the water.

Examples

  • The stiff branches of the crack willow are known for breaking easily in strong winds.

  • The crack willow is known for its brittle branches.

  • They planted several crack willows along the banks to reduce soil erosion.

  • Many crack willows grow near the riverbank.

  • The crack willow is known for its brittle branches that can snap easily in strong winds.

  • In the park, we admired the tall crack willow swaying gracefully by the riverbank.

  • The gardener recommended planting a crack willow for its rapid growth and striking appearance.

Synonyms

Salix fragilis
vscrack willow
  • Specialized
8.7

A large willow tree with brittle branches that break easily

is the common nontechnical name used in everyday speech
brittle willow
vscrack willow
  • UK
8.4

A large willow tree with thin branches that break easily

is the standard common name rather than a descriptive label
snap willow
vscrack willow
  • US
8.6

A large willow tree with stiff branches that break easily

is the standard common name not an informal nickname

Surface Forms

crack willow singular
crack willows plural

Morphology

crack + willow

The compound is a straightforward descriptive name: combining 'crack' (to break/split) with 'willow' yields a willow that cracks or has brittle branches. This property-based composition follows normal English compounding/attribution and is cross-linguistically transparent, so a B1 learner who knows the two words would readily infer the intended meaning.

Etymology

Crack willow gets its name from its stiff branches that often make a loud crack when they snap in strong wind, so the name refers to a willow whose branches are 'easily broken'.