mesquit
9.9
A small spiny tree that grows in dry places and makes sweet pods
- noun
- /ˈmɛskɪt/
- Archaic
:
mesquite
- The sweet pods of the mesquit are sometimes ground into flour by local communities.
Examples
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The mesquit provides important food and shelter for many desert animals.
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The mesquit tree thrives in dry climates.
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After the storm, several mesquits had lost their branches along the arroyo.
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Farmers often use mesquits for animal forage.
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The mesquit provides important food and shelter for many desert animals.
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The sweet pods of the mesquit are sometimes ground into flour by local communities.
-
Farmers often use mesquits for animal forage.
Synonyms
8
8.7
A small thorny tree or bush from dry land with sweet seed pods
is spelled as an alternative form without the final e but same meaning
Surface Forms
Etymology
Mesquit comes from the Spanish mezquite, which in turn comes from the Nahuatl word mizquitl that meant 'mesquite tree'. So the name keeps the original local word for the desert tree known for its sweet pods and strong, useful wood.