acacia

noun

aca·​cia ə-ˈkā-shə 

1

: gum arabic

2

: any of a large genus (Acacia) of leguminous shrubs and trees of warm regions with leaves pinnate or reduced to phyllodes and white or yellow flower clusters

Examples of acacia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In Central America, for example, ants feed on acacia trees, a relationship that, at first glance, appeared purely antagonistic. — Denise Hruby, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026

The stunning piece combines an acacia wood base with white marble and brass pulls for ample visual interest without risk of clashing against bold bedding or décor. — Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 16 Aug. 2026

Common additives and fillers in saffron capsule supplements include rice powder, silica, stearic acid and acacia gum. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026

The rest of us are simply ants drinking our daily nectar from our acacia tree relying on what our information sources lead us to believe. — Will Cady, SPIN, 30 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, going back to Latin, "a species of Acacia, gum arabic," borrowed from Greek akakía "a plant of the Acacia genus (probably A. nilotica), acacia extract," of obscure origin; (sense 1) Middle English acacia, acacie "astringent gum made from the juice of green plums or sloes," borrowed from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French acasie, acacie "juice of plums or sloes," borrowed from Medieval Latin acacia, going back to Latin, "gum arabic"

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for acacia

• cetacea
• crustacea
• asteraceae
• orchidaceae
• depopulation
• geisha
• osteomalacia

Kids Definition

acacia

noun

aca·​cia ə-ˈkā-shə 

1

: gum arabic

2

: any of numerous shrubs and trees of the legume family that grow in warm areas and have white or yellow flower clusters

Medical Definition

acacia

noun

aca·​cia ə-ˈkā-shə 

1

capitalized : a genus of woody leguminous plants of warm regions having pinnate leaves and white or yellow flower clusters

2

: any of the genus Acacia of leguminous plants

3

: gum arabic