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Glite Dictionary
🌳 A tree with sap 🪵 Wood from tree
milkwood

milkwood

8.1
A tree or shrub that produces a white milky sap
  • noun
  • Australian
translation icon : madera de leche
  • Hikers admired the thick trunk and glossy leaves of the ancient milkwood.

Examples

  • Birds often build their nests in the branches of the milkwood tree.

  • The milkwood is protected in some coastal areas due to its ecological importance.

  • The milkwood tree is native to South Africa.

  • I saw several milkwoods during my trip to Australia.

  • The milkwood tree was known for its thick trunk and the milky sap it produced.

  • In South Africa, the milkwood provides shade and support for many small plants.

  • The bright flowers of the milkwood attract various species of birds and insects.

Surface Forms

milkwood singular
milkwoods plural

Morphology

milkwood = milk + wood (transparent) = milk + wood

A literal compound: 'milk' + 'wood' denotes a tree characterised by milky sap, so the meaning is directly derived from the parts.

Etymology

Milkwood combines the common words milk and wood and was given to trees that produce a 'milky' sap. So, thinking of a tree that gives a 'milky' juice helps you remember that milkwood is that kind of tree.