maple

maple [mā′pəl]

n.

[ME < OE mapel(treo), akin to ON mǫpurr]

1. any of a large genus (Acer) of trees of the maple family, grown for wood, sap, or shade

2. the hard, closegrained, light-colored wood of such a tree, used for furniture, flooring, etc.

3. the reddish-yellow or yellowish color of the finished wood

4. the flavor of maple syrup or of the sugar made from this

5. Slang a bowling pin usually used in pl.

adj.

1. designating a family (Aceraceae, order Sapindales) of dicotyledonous trees and a few shrubs, characterized by opposite, often lobed leaves, small clusters of flowers, and two-winged fruits

2. of or made of maple

3. flavored with maple