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Acer macrophyllum

Acer macrophyllum

9.5
A large maple tree from western North America with very big leaves that turn orange in autumn
  • noun
  • /ˈeɪsər ˌmækrəˈfɪləm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : arce de hojas grandes
  • The Acer macrophyllum is known for its exceptionally large leaves, which can reach up to twelve inches across.

Examples

  • In autumn, the leaves of Acer macrophyllum turn vibrant shades of orange and gold.

  • Many parks in the Pacific Northwest feature mature Acer macrophyllum specimens providing ample shade.

  • The Acer macrophyllum is known for its impressive size.

  • Many gardeners appreciate the Acer macrophyllum for its vibrant fall colors.

  • In autumn, the leaves of Acer macrophyllum turn vibrant shades of orange and gold.

  • Many parks in the Pacific Northwest feature mature Acer macrophyllum specimens providing ample shade.

  • The Acer macrophyllum is known for its exceptionally large leaves, which can reach up to twelve inches across.

Synonyms

big-leaf maple
vsAcer macrophyllum
  • Specialized
6.0

A large western North American tree with very big leaves that have five parts and turn orange in autumn

is written without a hyphen in modern usage
Oregon maple
vsAcer macrophyllum
  • US
7.2

A tree from western North America with large five-lobed leaves that turn orange in autumn

is the precise scientific species label not just a general tree description

Surface Forms

Morphology

Acer + macrophyllum

The name is a Latin binomial combining Acer (a genus of maples) with macrophyllum, which etymologically means 'large-leaved' (macro- = large, -phyllum = leaf), so the compound is compositionally meaningful as 'large-leaf maple'. However, this relies on knowledge of Latin/Greek roots and taxonomic naming; an average B1 learner who knows everyday English constituents is unlikely to recognise 'macrophyllum' or the morphological roots, so the meaning is not fully predictable for them.

Etymology

Acer macrophyllum comes from Latin: Acer means 'maple' and macrophyllum means 'big leaf'. Because this tree really has very large leaves, the name points to that feature and it is often called the 'bigleaf maple'.