quaking aspen

noun

|Updated on: 6 Jun 2018

Definition of quaking aspen

: an aspen (Populus tremuloides) chiefly of the U.S. and Canada with small nearly circular leaves that have flattened petioles and finely serrate margins and that flutter in the slightest breeze

Recent Examples of quaking aspen from the Web

From the languid sway of the bay laurel trees to the disco shimmer of the quaking aspens to the Dude-like serenity of the redwoods, a vague drugginess wafts over the place.

— chris colin, Outside Online, "Drawing a Line in the Sand Over River Rights," 30 May 2018
There's a stand of quaking aspens growing in Utah that's a single clonal organism, rather than genetic individuals.

— diana gitig, Ars Technica, "Check out the genes on this huge ‘shroom," 9 Nov. 2017
The wine is as brilliantly colored as any Sierra slope of quaking aspen in the fall.

— mike dunne, sacbee, "Halloween treats abound for wine lovers," 11 Oct. 2017
The quaking aspen grove here covers 107 acres and includes about 47,000 distinct trees.

— jennifer billock, Smithsonian, "Where to Hike to (and Through) the World’s Largest Organisms," 29 Mar. 2017

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