Tree

Definition

Tree refers to a perennial plant with an elongated stem or trunk, supporting branches and leaves, and typically growing to a considerable height.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb (rare, to force into a difficult position or up a tree)

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /triː/
• Respelling: TREE

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /triː/
• Respelling: TREE

Etymology

The word "tree" originates from Old English "trēow" or "trēo," meaning "tree" or "wood," derived from Proto-Germanic "*trewą" and Proto-Indo-European "*deru-" (to be firm or solid, also meaning wood or tree).

Derivatives

• Treeing (verb, rare)
• Tree-like (adjective)
• Treeless (adjective)
• Treeline (noun)
• Treehouse (noun)

Synonyms

• Wood
• Sapling
• Timber

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The noun "tree" is widely used to describe a plant with a woody trunk, as in "The oak tree provides shade in the summer." As a verb, it refers to forcing someone or an animal into a corner or up a tree, as in "The dog treed the cat."

Related Terms

• Forest: A large area covered with trees.
• Bark: The outer covering of a tree.
• Canopy: The upper layer of foliage in a forest.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A perennial plant with a woody trunk: Refers to plants that grow tall with a trunk and branches.
  • Example: "The tree in the backyard is over a hundred years old."
• Wood or timber: Refers to the material obtained from trees.
  • Example: "The furniture is made of mahogany tree wood."

Verb

• To force into a difficult position or up a tree: Refers to driving someone or something into a corner or impasse.
  • Example: "The hunters treed the animal to capture it."