mangrove
mangrove Lexical Profile
mangrove Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A tropical or subtropical marine tree or shrub characterized by its complex, tangled, above-ground root system, which grows primarily in coastal saline or brackish water.
"The extensive root system of the mangrove helps to stabilize the coastline and protect it from storm surges."
A coastal wetland or tidal forest ecosystem dominated by salt-tolerant trees, providing a critical habitat for diverse marine and terrestrial wildlife.
"We spent the afternoon kayaking through the dense mangrove, spotting numerous species of juvenile fish and shorebirds."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Early 17th century: probably from Portuguese 'mangue' or Spanish 'mangle' (ultimately of Taino origin), which was heavily altered in English by a folk etymology association with the word 'grove'.