trumpet tree

9.1

A tropical tree from the Americas with large leaves and hollow stems often found in rainforests

noun

: árbol trompeta

After the storm, a large branch fell from the old trumpet tree in the village square.

Examples

The trumpet tree is known for its unique shape.
The trumpet tree is valued for its lightweight, hollow wood, which is sometimes used to make musical instruments.
Many species of birds nest in the broad leaves of the trumpet tree.
Many trumpet trees thrive in tropical climates.
The trumpet tree, known for its striking shield-shaped leaves, thrives in the lush rainforest.
During our hike, we marveled at the large, vibrant leaves of the trumpet tree towering above us.
In the tropical garden, the trumpet tree stood out with its unique shape and hollow stems.

Synonyms

snakewood

vstrumpet tree

1 9.9

A tropical American tree with very hard, patterned wood used to make violin bows and fancy handles

is not mainly known for valuable patterned wood, being defined by rainforest habitat

imbauba

vstrumpet tree

Specialized

9.9

A tropical tree with large round leaves and hollow stems that often grows in rainforests

is the alternate common name for the same tree

Cecropia peltata

vstrumpet tree

Specialized

9.9

A tropical American tree with large shield-shaped leaves and hollow stems that grows in open disturbed areas

is mainly found in rainforests rather than disturbed or secondary areas

trumpetwood

vstrumpet tree

9.9

A tropical American tree with large leaves shaped like shields and hollow stems often used for simple instruments

is a general common name not tied to a specific genus

trumpet-wood

vstrumpet tree

9.8

A tropical American tree with large broad leaves and hollow stems often planted in gardens for decoration

is mainly found in natural rainforests rather than kept as ornamental plant

Surface Forms

trumpet tree singular

trumpet trees plural

Morphology

trumpet + tree

This is a straightforward compound noun: a B1 learner who knows 'trumpet' and 'tree' can infer it denotes a kind of tree associated with trumpet-like features (e.g. trumpet-shaped flowers or hollow stems). Plant names formed by a salient shape or feature are cross-linguistically common, so the meaning is transparently derivable from the constituents.

Etymology

Trumpet tree: The name trumpet tree comes from its hollow stems and large flowers that look like a trumpet. People sometimes blow the hollow wood like a simple 'horn', so the name helps you remember the tree's shape and use.