SINCE 1828

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paloverde

noun pal·o·ver·de \ ˌpa-lō-ˈver-(ˌ)dā , ˌpä- , -ˈvər- \

Updated on: 19 Apr 2018

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

Recent Examples of paloverde from the Web

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.

Origin and Etymology of paloverde

Mexican Spanish, literally, green tree

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1829

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WORD OF THE DAY

bloviate

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to speak or write verbosely and windily

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Palouse

palouser

paloverde

palp

palpable

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