chaparro

noun

cha·​par·​ro
shəˈpä(ˌ)rō,
ch-
plural -s
1
: a Mexican oak (Quercus reticulata) with close-grained hard brown wood
2
or chaparro prieto : a Mexican acacia (Acacia amentacea) with sweet-scented yellow flowers
3
: a tropical American tree (Curatella americana) of the family Dilleniaceae distinguished by very rough leaves that are widely used for polishing and scouring

called also sandpaper tree

4
: any of several trees of the genus Byrsonima most of which have edible fruits and bark useful for tanning

Word History

Etymology

American Spanish, from Spanish, dwarf evergreen oak

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Dictionary Entries Near chaparro

Cite this Entry

“Chaparro.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chaparro. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

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