mangrove

man·grove

noun \ˈman-ˌgrōv, ˈmaŋ-\

Definition of MANGROVE

1

: any of a genus (Rhizophora, especially R. mangle of the family Rhizophoraceae) of tropical maritime trees or shrubs that send out many prop roots and form dense masses important in coastal land building and as foundations of unique ecosystems

2

: any of numerous trees (as of the genera Avicennia of the vervain family or Sonneratia of the family Sonneratiaceae) with growth habits like those of the true mangroves

Origin of MANGROVE

probably from Portuguese mangue mangrove (from Spanish mangle, probably from Taino) + English grove

First Known Use: 1613

Rhymes with MANGROVE

alcove, cookstove, woodstove