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Glite Dictionary
aspen poplar

aspen poplar

5.7
A tree with smooth white bark and leaves with pale undersides that tremble
  • noun
  • /ˈæspən ˈpɑːpələr/
  • Specialized
translation icon : álamo temblón
  • The aspen poplar is known for its smooth, white bark and delicate, trembling leaves.

Examples

  • In autumn, the aspen poplar displays brilliant yellow foliage along the mountain roads.

  • The aspen poplar is known for its white bark.

  • Many birds build their nests in the branches of the aspen poplar.

  • Many aspen poplars grow along the riverbank.

  • Many farmers in North America plant aspen poplar trees because they grow quickly and provide good shade.

  • The aspen poplar is known for its striking white bark and fluttering leaves that shimmer in the wind.

  • During our hike, we spotted a grove of tall aspen poplar trees with their characteristic pale leaves glistening in the sunlight.

Synonyms

abele
vsaspen poplar
  • US
1 9.9

A poplar tree with white bark and leaves that are white underneath

is presented as a North American cultivated species rather than a general US-grown type
white aspen
vsaspen poplar
  • US
5.9

A poplar tree with white bark and pale undersides on its leaves

is described as a North American cultivated species rather than a local or informal name
white poplar
vsaspen poplar
6.2

A tall tree with white bark and silvery leaf undersides used for decoration

is focused on North American cultivation rather than general ornamental use
silver-leaved poplar
vsaspen poplar
8.1

A tree with white bark and silvery leaves often planted for decoration

is framed as a North American cultivated form rather than an ornamental label
Populus alba
vsaspen poplar
  • Specialized
8.8

A poplar tree with white bark and pale leaf undersides

is presented as a North American cultivated tree rather than a Eurasian native

Surface Forms

aspen poplar singular
aspen poplars plural

Morphology

aspen + poplar

The noun phrase is a literal, descriptive botanical compound: combining 'aspen' and 'poplar' signals a type of poplar tree with aspen-like characteristics, so the overall meaning follows directly from the constituents. This is not idiomatic or metaphorical and such compounding for species names is cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows both words will readily understand it.

Etymology

Aspen poplar combines aspen (a tree known for leaves that shake in the wind) and poplar (a common fast-growing tree). The name gives a clear image of a white-barked tree with pale, shaking leaves, so it simply refers to that particular kind of tree.