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paloverde

noun
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pal·​o·​ver·​de | \ ˌpa-lō-ˈver-(ˌ)dā How to pronounce paloverde (audio) , ˌpä-, -ˈvər- How to pronounce paloverde (audio) \

Definition of paloverde

1 : any of several small spiny trees or shrubs (genus Cercidium) of the legume family that have greenish branches and are found chiefly in dry regions of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico
2 : jerusalem thorn

Examples of paloverde in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Scattered stands of paloverde trees and saguaro cactus provide spots of shade throughout the otherwise open-to-the-sky hike. — Mare Czinar, azcentral, "McDowell Mountain park is pretty busy. This scenic trail lets you get away from the crowd," 27 Feb. 2020 Head south and follow the dirt single track that traces the park’s southeast boundary through rumpled washes and lush stands of ironwoods and paloverde trees that clutter moist drainages. — Mare Czinar, azcentral, "Want to hike the Maricopa Trail? Here's a good starting point if you're new to the route," 28 Nov. 2019 A million lights drape saguaros, ocotillos and paloverde trees as luminarias guide visitors along shimmering pathways through the park’s 49 acres. — Roger Naylor, azcentral, "Here's where to see the best Christmas lights around Arizona," 22 Nov. 2019 Bowen, who had lived in South Carolina before joining the agency, was assigned to the Border Patrol station in Nogales, an outpost in the hill country of southern Arizona, where scrubby mesquite and paloverde trees stud the rugged landscape. — A.c. Thompson, ProPublica, "“Dirtbag,” “Savages,” “Subhuman”: A Border Agent’s Hateful Career and the Crime That Finally Ended It," 16 Aug. 2019 But a good overview starts at the Waddell Trail with its cholla, saguaro and paloverde. — Sonja Haller, azcentral, "Ultimate Arizona bucket list: 15 things to do in Surprise," 16 Feb. 2015 In the high desert east of this border town, the rolling hills topped with mesquite and paloverde trees are a picture of rugged desolation. — Richard Marosi, latimes.com, "Towers and cameras, not a wall, keep migrants from crossing the border into Arizona," 16 Apr. 2018 Keeping company with the ironwood trees are mesquite, paloverde, creosote and saguaro. — latimes.com, "Here are the national monuments being reconsidered under Trump," 26 Apr. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'paloverde.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of paloverde

1829, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for paloverde

Mexican Spanish, literally, green tree

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The first known use of paloverde was in 1829

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Cite this Entry

“Paloverde.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paloverde. Accessed 5 Mar. 2021.

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