witch elm

8.8

A European elm tree with wide branches used for shade

noun
/wɪtʃ ɛlm/

: 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?

Examples

Many cities choose to plant witch elms for their attractive foliage and shade.
Planting a witch elm in your garden can enhance its beauty and provide shelter.
in Birmingham, Reading Who put Bella down the Witch Elm Hagley Wood?

Decoding the Unknown

Synonyms

wych elm

vswitch elm

1 9.5

A large tree from Europe and Asia with broad leaves often grown for shade

is the general species name without emphasizing leaf shape

wych

vswitch elm

1 9.9

An elm tree with broad leaves and hard wood that grows in Europe and western Asia

is stated here as native only to Europe rather than to a wider area

Ulmus glabra

vswitch elm

Specialized

1 8.9

A large elm tree often planted in parks and gardens for shade

is the common everyday name rather than the formal scientific label

Surface Forms

witch elm singular

witch elms plural

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.