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Diospyros

Diospyros

9.9
A group of trees and shrubs that include persimmon and ebony and produce hard, valuable wood
  • noun
  • /ˌdaɪəˈspɪrəs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Diospyros
  • The black wood of Diospyros, commonly known as ebony, is highly sought after for musical instruments.
  • Diospyros virginiana
  • Diospyros persimmon

Examples

  • A mask that will have carved permanent detail requires a denser variety such as iroko (Chlorophora excelsa), ebony (Diospyros), or mahogany (Swietenia).

    Academic text (1994)
  • Many craftsmen prefer Diospyros wood for its attractive grain and strength in construction.

  • And the botanical name of the American p-word is Diospyros virginiana, the first part of which means "fruit we provide enough for those who have too little." (Yeah, same guy.)

    Blog text (28)
  • Diospyros is known for its beautiful and durable wood, often used in furniture.

Compounds

Diospyros ebenum
  • Specialized
9.9

A tropical tree from southern Asia with very hard, dark wood used for fine furniture and musical instruments

Diospyros kaki
  • Specialized
9.9

A small Asian tree that produces large orange fruit called persimmons

Diospyros kurzii
  • Specialized
9.9

A large Asian tree that has very hard, striped wood used for furniture

Diospyros lotus
  • Specialized
9.9

A small Asian persimmon tree that makes sweet yellow or dark fruit

Diospyros virginiana
  • Specialized
9.9

A medium-sized tree that makes orange fruit that becomes sweet when ripe

Surface Forms

Diospyros singular
Diospyroses plural

Etymology

The word Diospyros comes from Greek parts dios ('divine' or 'of Zeus') and pyros ('fruit'), so it suggests a 'divine fruit'. That's why the name suits trees like the persimmon, which give tasty fruit and also produce beautiful, valuable wood.