dipterocarp

noun

dip·​tero·​carp ˈdip-tə-rō-ˌkärp How to pronounce dipterocarp (audio)
: any of a family (Dipterocarpaceae) of tall hardwood tropical trees chiefly of southeastern Asia that have a 2-winged fruit and are the source of valuable timber, aromatic oils, and resins
especially : a tree of the type genus (Dipterocarpus)

Examples of dipterocarp in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Like a giant umbrella, the towering canopies of aged dipterocarps would have prevented much of the rainfall from reaching the ground. JSTOR Daily, 19 Nov. 2025 Almost 250 feet up the dipterocarp, Aldred’s muscles seize up from dehydration and over-exertion. Josephine Livingstone, The New Republic, 30 May 2018

Word History

Etymology

ultimately from Greek dipteros + -karpos -carpous

First Known Use

circa 1876, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dipterocarp was circa 1876

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Cite this Entry

“Dipterocarp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dipterocarp. Accessed 25 Nov. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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