cottonwood
cottonwood Lexical Profile
cottonwood Game Scores & Validity
• noun
North American A fast-growing species of poplar tree native to North America, characterized by its deeply furrowed bark, triangular leaves, and the abundant, fluffy, cotton-like fibers that enclose its seeds.
"The hikers rested in the cool shade of a massive cottonwood growing alongside the riverbank."
North American The soft, lightweight, and relatively weak timber produced by the cottonwood tree, occasionally used for making boxes, crates, and paper pulp.
"Because cottonwood is prone to warping and lacks durability, it is rarely used for fine furniture or structural beams."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in American English in the early 19th century, combining 'cotton' and 'wood', in reference to the fluffy, cotton-like fibers that cover the seeds of the tree during spring.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.