Word
mangrove
Phoneticsman·grove
US/ˈmænˌɡɹoʊv/
UK/mˈæŋɡɹəʊv/
Definitions
01the tree
n. a type of tree that grows in wet, salty soil near the ocean, often with roots that stick out of the water.
n. any of various tropical evergreen trees or shrubs that grow in brackish intertidal areas, characterized by specialized aerial roots.
“The mangrove has long roots that help it stay steady in the soft mud.”
“The red mangrove is particularly well-adapted to the shoreline, using its prop roots to filter salt and stabilize itself against the tide.”
Technical
Teaching tip
While the word is C1, it is essential for students discussing environmental issues or climate change.
02the forest or ecosystem
n. a thick forest of these trees that protects the coast from storms.
n. a coastal swamp or forest ecosystem dominated by mangrove trees; technically referred to as a mangal.
“We took a small boat through the mangrove to see the birds and fish.”
“Protecting the coastal mangrove is vital for preventing erosion and maintaining the biodiversity of the local marine environment.”
Technical
Usage
Can be used as a collective noun or an attributive noun (e.g., 'mangrove forest').
Teaching tip
In general conversation, people use 'mangrove' to mean both the tree and the swamp itself.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“Environmental experts say the spill threatens wildlife, protected ecosystems and fishing communities around Qeshm, which is home to mangrove forests, nearby coral reef habitats and nesting sites for critically endangered Hawksbill turtles.” “That additional heat is already threatening coral reef and mangrove ecosystems , seagrasses and other aspects of the marine food web.” “Seagrass beds, mangroves and other natural areas found within 0.6 miles of surf breaks store 88.3 million metric tons of carbon around the world.” Etymology
A modification of earlier mangrowe (obsolete) by the influence of grove (“small forest”) through folk etymology. Mangrowe is probably borrowed from Spanish mangle, mangue (whence English mangle) (probably from an Arawak language (such as Taíno), or a Cariban language) + an unknown word ending.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.