Gambel oak

noun

Gam·​bel oak
ˈgambəl-
: a shrub or small tree (Quercus gambelii) of the Rocky mountains with thin scaly gray-brown bark, thick firm leaves with 7 to 11 lobes, and acorns enclosed to half their length by the scaly pubescent cup

Word History

Etymology

after William Gambel †1849 American ornithologist

First Known Use

1878, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Gambel oak was in 1878

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Dictionary Entries Near Gambel oak

Cite this Entry

“Gambel oak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Gambel%20oak. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

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