American plane
1
8.6
- noun
- /əˈmɛrɪkən pleɪn/
- US
:
plátano americano
- The American plane tree can grow up to 100 feet tall.
Examples
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The American plane is known for its broad branches and distinctive peeling bark.
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Many parks in the U.S. feature the majestic American plane.
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Fallen leaves from the American plane carpet the ground in autumn with gold and brown hues.
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Many city streets are lined with American plane trees, prized for their resilience and beauty.
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The massive American plane in the park provides shade for dozens of people each summer.
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We planted an American plane in our backyard to provide shade during the summer.
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The old American plane stood tall in the park, admired by visitors for its beautiful foliage.
Synonyms
1
9.9
A very large tree with wide branches and broad leaves that gives shade by rivers
A very large tree from eastern and central North America with broad leaves and patchy peeling bark
A very large American sycamore tree with peeling bark and a wide canopy
Surface Forms
Morphology
American + plane
The phrase names a specific tree species (sycamore/buttonwood) using a botanical sense of 'plane' that is not transparently derivable from 'American' + the common senses of 'plane' (e.g., airplane, flat surface, or woodworking tool). An average B1 learner who knows both constituents in their frequent senses would not infer 'a very large tree', so the expression functions as a lexicalized plant name and is opaque.
Etymology
American plane may come from the tree's very wide, almost 'flat' leaves and smooth, peeling bark that looks like a flat surface, so people called it plane, and adding American showed where it grew. That's why American plane refers today to a very large tree with broad branches and noticeable peeling bark.