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 In the most exhilarating scene in The Man Who Climbs Trees (apart from the elephant, maybe), Aldred forgets his water before climbing a massive dipterocarp in Borneo. Josephine Livingstone, The New Republic, 30 May 2018 Almost 250 feet up the dipterocarp, Aldred’s muscles seize up from dehydration and over-exertion. Josephine Livingstone, The New Republic, 30 May 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dipterocarp.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near dipterocarp

Cite this Entry

“Dipterocarp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dipterocarp. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.

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