paulownia

noun

pau·​low·​nia pȯ-ˈlō-nē-ə How to pronounce paulownia (audio)
: any of a genus (Paulownia of the family Paulowniaceae) of Chinese trees
especially : one (P. tomentosa) widely cultivated for its panicles of fragrant violet flowers

Examples of paulownia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Its new, ultra-lightweight paulownia wood-and-fiberglass core has hollow air channels throughout. — Stephanie Pearson, Outside Online, 8 Oct. 2024 The featherlight, lightly tapered directional powder craft sports a medium-soft poplar and paulownia core, bolstered by two parallel strips of shock-absorbing, ollie-enhancing interwoven flax and aramid fibers. — Drew Zieff, Outside Online, 27 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Anna Pavlovna †1865 Russian princess

First Known Use

1843, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of paulownia was in 1843

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Cite this Entry

“Paulownia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paulownia. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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