tree

¹tree

noun \ˈtrē\

Definition of TREE

1

a : a woody perennial plant having a single usually elongate main stem generally with few or no branches on its lower part

b : a shrub or herb of arborescent form <rose trees> <a banana tree>

2

a (1) : a piece of wood (as a post or pole) usually adapted to a particular use or forming part of a structure or implement (2) archaic : the cross on which Jesus was crucified

b archaic : gallows

3

: something in the form of or resembling a tree: as

a : a diagram or graph that branches usually from a simple stem or vertex without forming loops or polygons <a genealogical tree> <phylogenetic trees>

b : a much-branched system of channels especially in an animal body <the vascular tree>

4

: saddletree

— tree·less \-ləs\ adjective

— tree·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

Examples of TREE

1. He chopped down the tree.

Origin of TREE

Middle English, from Old English trēow; akin to Old Norse trē tree, Greek drys, Sanskrit dāru wood

First Known Use: before 12th century

Other Wood Production Terms

cord, lumber, punk

Rhymes with TREE

b, be, bee, c, cay, cee, Cree, d, dee, Dee, dree, e, fee, flea, flee, free, g, gee, ghee, glee, gree, he, key, Key, knee, lea, lee, me, mi, p, pea, pee, plea, pree, quay, re, Rhee, scree, sea, see, she, si, ski, spree, sri, t, tea, tee, the, thee, three, ti, twee, Twi, v, vee, we, wee, whee, ye, z, zee

²tree

transitive verb

treedtree·ing

Definition of TREE

1

a : to drive to or up a tree <treed by a bull> <dogs treeing game>

b : to put into a position of extreme disadvantage : corner; especially : to bring to bay

2

: to furnish or fit (as a shoe) with a tree

First Known Use of TREE

1575

Tree

biographical name \ˈtrē\

Definition of TREE

Sir Herbert (Draper) Beerbohm 1853–1917 Eng. actor-manager

tree

noun \ˈtrē\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of TREE

: an anatomical system or structure having many branches <the vascular tree>—see biliary tree, bronchial tree, tracheobronchial tree

tree

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Woody perennial plant. Most trees have a single self-supporting trunk containing woody tissues, and in most species the trunk produces secondary limbs called branches. Trees provide many valuable products, especially wood, one of the world's chief building materials, and wood pulp, used in papermaking. Wood is also a major fuel source. Trees supply edible fruits and nuts. In addition, trees take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen during photosynthesis. Their root systems help retain water and soil, preventing floods and erosion. Trees and forests provide habitats for a wide variety of animals, and they beautify both natural and altered landscapes. Growth rings in the trunk indicate the age of most trees. The tallest trees are the Pacific coast redwoods; the oldest are the bristlecone pines, some of which are over 4,000 years old. See also conifer; deciduous tree; evergreen; forest; shrub; softwood.