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Definition of american sycamore
american sycamore
Plural:American sycamores
american sycamore Lexical Profile
CEFR
C1
Grade
7
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
• noun
1
North American A massive, fast-growing deciduous tree (Platanus occidentalis) native to eastern and central North America, easily distinguished by its broad, maple-like leaves and striking, mottled bark that flakes off in large patches to reveal white, green, and cream layers beneath.
Example
"We planted an American sycamore by the riverbank, knowing its expansive canopy would eventually provide deep summer shade."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
The word 'sycamore' traces back to the Greek 'sykomoros' (fig-mulberry). European settlers in North America applied the name to the native Platanus occidentalis because its leaves strongly resembled those of the European sycamore maple.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of American sycamore. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 12, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/american sycamore