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Definition of ginkgo

ginkgo

/ˈɡɪŋ.koʊ/
gink · go
Plural:ginkgoes
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ginkgo Lexical Profile

ginkgo Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

An herbal extract or dietary supplement derived from the leaves of the ginkgo tree, commonly purported to improve memory and cognitive function.

Example

"Many elderly patients ask their pharmacists about potential drug interactions before taking ginkgo."

2

A large deciduous tree native to China, characterized by distinct fan-shaped leaves and recognized as a living fossil because it has no close living botanical relatives.

Example

"The ancient ginkgo in the temple courtyard turned a brilliant, luminous yellow in late autumn."

• Rhymes for ginkgo

• Nearby Words

gingery
gingham
gingivitis
ginkgo
ginormous
ginseng
gipper

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed into English in the late 17th century from the Japanese 'ginkyō', ultimately from the Middle Chinese 'yínxìng', meaning 'silver apricot'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Ginkgo. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/ginkgo
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