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Definition of japanese maple

japanese maple

Plural:japanese maples
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japanese maple Lexical Profile

• noun

1

A deciduous shrub or small tree of the genus Acer, native to East Asia (particularly Japan, Korea, and China), widely cultivated as an ornamental plant for its deeply lobed, delicate leaves and vibrant red, orange, or purple autumn foliage.

Example

"The landscaping design featured a striking Japanese maple whose brilliant red leaves provided a vivid contrast against the green backdrop of the garden."

Word Origin & Etymology

The name reflects its primary native region, Japan, where it has been cultivated for centuries. The word 'maple' derives from Old English 'mæpel', referring to trees of the Acer genus.

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Japanese maple. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 13, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/japanese maple
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