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Glite Dictionary
Acer negundo

Acer negundo

9.1
A fast-growing maple tree called box elder that is often planted for shade
  • noun
  • /ˈeɪsər nɪˈɡʌndoʊ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : arce negundo
  • The Acer negundo is often planted in parks for its fast growth and shade.

Examples

  • In autumn, the leaves of Acer negundo turn a pale yellow before falling.

  • Many people appreciate the shade provided by Acer negundo.

  • Botanists classified the box elder as Acer negundo due to its similarities with other maples.

  • The Acer negundo is often used for landscaping.

  • Many people appreciate the shade provided by Acer negundo during hot summer days.

  • The Acer negundo tree is commonly found in urban areas for its rapid growth and ability to thrive in various conditions.

  • In autumn, the leaves of Acer negundo turn a bright yellow, adding color to the landscape.

Synonyms

box elder
vsAcer negundo
  • US
6.1

A North American fast-growing maple tree with leaves made of several parts, often used for shade

is the formal scientific name used for the species
ash-leaved maple
vsAcer negundo
  • US
8.1

A maple tree with leaves made of several small leaflets like an ash tree

focuses on its common planting for shade rather than leaf resemblance

Surface Forms

Acer negundo singular
Acer negundos plural

Morphology

Acer + negundo

The element 'Acer' identifies the genus (maple), so a learner who knows that word could infer this is a kind of tree, but 'negundo' is a Latin species epithet (not a transparent English word) and does not convey the common-name meaning 'box elder'. Scientific binomial names are conventionalized and not compositionally meaningful to B1 learners, so the overall meaning is only partially recoverable from the parts.

Etymology

Acer negundo is a scientific name that starts with Acer, the Latin word for 'maple'. The second part, negundo, is a specific label given to this different-looking maple, so the whole name points to the tree we call the 'box elder'.