European quaking aspen
- noun
- UK
:
álamo temblón
- The European quaking aspen is known for its fluttering, rounded leaves that shimmer in the breeze.
Examples
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The wood from the European quaking aspen is valued for making matches and paper.
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In northern forests, the European quaking aspen provides habitat for many bird species.
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The European quaking aspen is known for its beautiful leaves.
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Many European quaking aspens grow along the riverbanks.
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The European quaking aspen thrives in temperate climates, making it a common sight in many European parks.
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You can identify a European quaking aspen by its smooth white bark and distinctive, fluttering leaves.
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In the fall, the leaves of the European quaking aspen turn a brilliant yellow, attracting many visitors.
Synonyms
1
6.4
A tall tree with many branches whose round leaves shake in a light wind
A European and Asian aspen tree with round leaves that shake in the wind
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase is fully compositional: 'European' locates it geographically, 'quaking' (trembling/shaking) describes the characteristic movement, and 'aspen' names the tree. A B1 learner who knows those words can infer it refers to an aspen tree in Europe whose leaves/branches tremble, and this kind of adjective+noun species name is cross-linguistically common and predictable.
Etymology
European quaking aspen is named for the way its round leaves tremble in even a small breeze; the thin leaf stalks make the leaves move and quake, so quaking means 'shaking' and aspen is the type of tree.