nettle tree

9.4

A small tree with rough leaves that makes small dark berries birds eat

noun
/ˈnɛtəl tri/

Specialized

: almez

The nettle tree produces small, dark berries that attract birds in late summer.

Examples

The leaves of the nettle tree are rough to the touch and somewhat resemble those of the common nettle.
Some gardeners plant a nettle tree for its ornamental value and hardiness.
The nettle tree grows well in warm climates.
Many birds nest in the nettle trees around here.
The nettle tree produces small, dark berries that attract birds in late summer.
Some gardeners plant a nettle tree for its ornamental value and hardiness.
The leaves of the nettle tree are rough to the touch and somewhat resemble those of the common nettle.

Synonyms

hackberry

vsnettle tree

1 9.4

A tree with small dark berries and strong wood that grows in many soils

is the singular term for a single tree of the same genus

Celtis australis

vsnettle tree

Specialized

9.5

A large tree from southern Europe with bright green leaves that gives good shade

is the general name for trees across that genus rather than one species

Surface Forms

nettle tree singular

nettle trees plural

Morphology

nettle + tree

The compound clearly signals a type of tree (tree) that is associated in some way with nettle, so a B1 learner who knows both words will likely infer it is a kind of tree related to or resembling nettles. However, the specific botanical sense (a Celtis species with small berrylike fruits) and the fact that 'nettle' here does not refer to the common stinging Urtica are not fully predictable, so the relation is only partially transparent.

Etymology

Nettle tree comes from people noticing its rough, toothed leaves that look like the leaves of the common nettle. So, nettle tree simply means a tree with nettle-like leaves, not 'a real nettle'.