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Glite Dictionary
Panama tree

Panama tree

9.1
A large tree from Panama with a big leafy top and a bare trunk
  • noun
  • US
translation icon : árbol de Panamá
  • The huge Panama tree dominated the center of the village with its leafy crown.

Examples

  • According to legend, the country was named after the Panama tree that once grew abundantly there.

  • Researchers studied the ecological role of the Panama tree in supporting local wildlife.

  • The Panama tree is known for its impressive height.

  • Many Panama trees can be found in the national parks.

  • According to legend, the country was named after the Panama tree that once grew abundantly there.

  • The huge Panama tree dominated the center of the village with its leafy crown.

  • Researchers studied the ecological role of the Panama tree in supporting local wildlife.

Synonyms

Sterculia apetala
vsPanama tree
  • Specialized
9.9

A large tree from Central and South America with a wide leafy crown that loses its leaves each year

is the common local name for a tree believed to give its country's name

Surface Forms

Panama tree singular
Panama trees plural

Morphology

Panama + tree

The meaning 'a tree from Panama' is directly and transparently derived from the place-name 'Panama' combined with 'tree', following a common noun-noun naming pattern for species or objects of origin. This compositional logic is cross-linguistically common and would be immediately understandable to a B1 learner who knows both constituents.

Etymology

Panama tree may come from an old story about a very large tree that stood where the country is now. One popular story says people called the place Panama after that great tree, so the name now refers to a large, leafy tree and is believed to be the origin of the country's name.