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Tree Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐ŸŒณ
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tree

[triห ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in nature

A tree is a tall plant with a trunk and branches made of wood. Trees can live for many years and provide oxygen, shade, and homes for animals.

Synonyms

flora, plant, woodland.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tree

Use 'tree' when referring to a tall, perennial plant with a trunk and branches. It's often used in everyday language or when specifically describing individual trees.

  • The oak tree in our backyard is over 50 years old.
  • He loves to climb the big tree in the park.
plant

Use 'plant' when referring to any member of the group of living organisms that typically produce their own food through photosynthesis. It can be used for both small and large plants.

  • She has a beautiful fern plant in her living room.
  • They are studying the medicinal properties of this plant.
flora

Use 'flora' when talking about the collective plant life of a particular region, habitat, or environment, often in a scientific or descriptive context.

  • The flora of the Amazon rainforest is incredibly diverse.
  • They studied the local flora during their expedition.
woodland

Use 'woodland' when referring to a land area covered with trees, often used in a geographical or ecological context. It refers to a dense collection of trees covering a significant area.

  • We went hiking in the woodland near the river.
  • The woodland creatures are rarely seen by humans.

Examples of usage

  • The tree in our backyard is over 100 years old.
  • The forest is filled with tall trees.
  • Trees are important for the environment.
  • The oak tree has large branches.
  • Squirrels build nests in trees.
Context #2 | Noun

in data structure

In computer science, a tree is a data structure that organizes data in a hierarchical way. It consists of nodes connected by edges, with a root node at the top.

Synonyms

graph, hierarchy, structure.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tree

Used often in everyday conversation to describe a type of plant with a trunk, branches, and leaves. It can also be used in computer science to refer to a data structure that simulates a tree-like hierarchical structure.

  • We planted a new tree in our garden.
  • The file system is organized in a tree structure.
hierarchy

Used to describe an organizational system where items are ranked one above the other according to their authority or status. Often used in business or organizational contexts.

  • The company's hierarchy is very complex.
  • In this game, you have to climb the hierarchy to become the king.
structure

A broad term used to describe any arrangement of parts or elements in a system. It can be used in various contexts like architecture, biology, organization, or computer science.

  • The structure of the building is very modern.
  • Understanding the structure of DNA was a breakthrough in biology.
graph

Used primarily in mathematics and computer science to describe a set of nodes connected by edges. It is often used in discussions about networks, social media connections, or algorithms.

  • This graph shows the relationship between X and Y.
  • We need to traverse the graph to find the shortest path.

Examples of usage

  • The binary tree is a common data structure.
  • Trees are used for efficient searching and sorting.
  • Each node in a tree can have children.
  • The tree traversal algorithm is used to explore the nodes.
  • A tree can be balanced or unbalanced.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Ecology

  • Trees release oxygen through a process called photosynthesis, making them essential for life on Earth.
  • Different types of trees can host various ecosystems, serving as homes for insects, birds, and mammals.
  • Forests, which are large areas with many trees, cover about 31% of our planet's land area and help regulate climate.

Cultural Significance

  • Trees often symbolize growth, strength, and resilience in various cultures, appearing in art, literature, and rituals.
  • In many religions, trees represent the connection between heaven and Earth, like the sacred Bodhi tree in Buddhism.
  • The Tree of Life is a universal symbol found in many mythologies, representing interconnectedness.

Science

  • Some tree species, like the giant sequoia, can live for over 3,000 years, making them some of the oldest living beings on Earth.
  • Trees can communicate through their root systems and share nutrients via fungi in the soil, often referred to as the 'wood wide web'.
  • Researchers have discovered that trees can react to stress by changing their growth patterns or releasing chemicals to warn others.

Art and Literature

  • From William Wordsworthโ€™s poetry to modern novels, trees are often used as symbols of nature's beauty and a reflection of the human experience.
  • Many famous paintings feature trees prominently, showcasing their form as a subject of artistic inspiration throughout history.
  • Tree imagery appears frequently in stories and folklore, where they often embody wisdom, shelter, and mystery.

Origin of 'tree'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'tree' comes from the Old English word 'trฤ“ow', which means a tree or wood.
  • Related words in other languages include 'arbre' in French and 'Baum' in German, which show the shared roots of human languages.

The word 'tree' has its origins in the Old English word 'treo', which is related to the Dutch 'boom' and German 'baum'. Trees have been an integral part of human history, providing shelter, food, and resources. They are often associated with life, growth, and resilience in various cultures and mythologies.

See also: treeless.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,196, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.