witch elm
- noun
- /wɪtʃ ɛlm/
- UK
:
olmo de bruja
- The beautiful witch elm in the park provides ample shade in summer.
in Birmingham, Reading Who put Bella down the Witch Elm Hagley Wood?
- in Birmingham, Reading Who put Bella down the Witch Elm Hagley Wood?
Examples
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Many cities choose to plant witch elms for their attractive foliage and shade.
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Planting a witch elm in your garden can enhance its beauty and provide shelter.
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in Birmingham, Reading Who put Bella down the Witch Elm Hagley Wood?
Synonyms
A large elm tree often planted in parks and gardens for shade
A large tree from Europe and Asia with broad leaves often grown for shade
An elm tree with broad leaves and hard wood that grows in Europe and western Asia
Surface Forms
Morphology
witch + elm
This noun phrase is a straightforward modifier + noun combination: a B1 learner who knows 'witch' and 'elm' will readily infer it denotes a particular kind of elm tree. Although the name actually reflects an archaic form 'wych' and specific botanical details (Ulmus glabra) are not deducible, the basic meaning 'a type/kind of elm' is compositionally transparent.
Etymology
Witch elm may come from an old word 'wych' meaning 'bendy' or 'flexible', not from a witch with magic. That's why the name refers to this kind of elm whose wood bends easily.
