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Definition of american basswood
american basswood
Plural:American basswoods
• noun
1
North American A large, fast-growing deciduous tree (Tilia americana) native to eastern and central North America, characterized by its large, asymmetrical heart-shaped leaves, fragrant yellowish-white flowers, and soft, pale wood.
Example
"The woodcarver specifically requested a block of American basswood, as its fine, even grain makes it exceptionally easy to carve intricate details without splitting."
Word Nuance & Usage
While known primarily as 'American basswood' in North America, trees of this genus are frequently called 'lindens' in urban landscaping or 'lime trees' in British English.
• Nearby Words
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.
180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of American basswood. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/american-basswood