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Glite Dictionary
almond willow

almond willow

9.5
A willow tree with light green leaves used for making baskets
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : sauce almendro
  • The almond willow is often chosen by artisans for weaving baskets because of its flexible stems.

Examples

  • Traditional basket makers prefer almond willow for its durability and workability.

  • The almond willow thrives in moist soil.

  • In early spring, the leaves of the almond willow turn a delicate light green.

  • Many almond willows grow along the riverbank.

  • The almond willow is often chosen by artisans for weaving baskets because of its flexible stems.

  • Traditional basket makers prefer almond willow for its durability and workability.

  • In early spring, the leaves of the almond willow turn a delicate light green.

Synonyms

Salix triandra
vsalmond willow
  • Specialized
9.9

A willow tree with light green leaves grown for making baskets

is broader, describing the species as native to the Old World rather than specific areas
Salix amygdalina
vsalmond willow
  • Specialized
9.9

A type of willow tree with light green leaves used for basket weaving

is more specifically cultivated for basketry rather than just often grown

Surface Forms

almond willow singular
almond willows plural

Morphology

almond + willow

This is a straightforward noun–noun compound where 'almond' modifies 'willow', so a learner who knows both words can infer it denotes a type of willow related to or resembling almonds. Naming plant varieties by such modifier+head combinations is cross-linguistically common and therefore immediately comprehensible to a B1 learner.

Etymology

Almond willow gets its name because its long, pale leaves look like an almond and it is a kind of willow with thin, bendy stems. Basket makers liked those flexible stems for 'weaving baskets', so the name helps you remember this willow is used for making baskets.