ENGLISH
REFERENCE

poplar

n. countable
C2 Proficiency US //ˈpɑpɫɝ// UK //pˈɒplɐ// poplar

n. a tall, fast-growing tree with thin leaves and soft wood. These trees are often planted in rows to block the wind or to look nice in a garden.

n. any of various deciduous trees of the genus Populus, characterised by rapid growth and triangular or heart-shaped leaves. Often cultivated for timber, paper pulp, or as ornamental windbreaks.


SIMPLE

The tall poplar trees swayed in the wind.

CONTEXTUAL

Farmers planted a row of poplars along the edge of the field to protect the crops from strong winds.

COMPLEX

The silver poplar is easily identified by its distinctive bark and the pale, downy underside of its leaves, which shimmer when caught by a breeze.

Origin

From Middle English popler, from Anglo-Norman popler and Old French poplier (compare French peuplier), from Latin pōpulus, with a suffix later added.

Usage

Refers to the tree itself or the wood derived from it.

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