Phrases starting with the letter: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Definition of: tree
(trē) noun
1. A perennial woody plant having usually a single self–supporting trunk, with branches and foliage growing at some distance above the ground, the whole ranging from about ten feet to as high as 300 feet. ♦ Collateral adjective: arboreal.
2. Any shrub or plant that assumes treelike shape or dimensions.
3. Something whose outline resembles that of a tree: a genealogical tree; a branching diagram; a treelike group of crystals.
4. A timber or heavy piece of wood, as in a framing: usually in composition: axletree, boot–tree, etc.
5. A gibbet; also, a cross.
—up a tree Colloq. In a position from which there is no retreat; cornered; caught; also, in an embarrassing position.
—v.t. treed, tree·ing
1. To force to climb or take refuge in a tree: to tree an opossum.
2. Colloq. To get the advantage of; corner.
3. To stretch, as a boot, on a boot–tree. [OE trēow, trīow, trēo]
Tree may appear as a combining form in hyphemes or solidemes, or as the first element in two–word phrases; as in:
| tree–bordered | tree–clad | tree–covered |
| tree–boring | tree–climbing | tree–crowned |
| tree–dotted | tree–hopping | tree protector |
| tree–dwelling | tree–inhabiting | tree–pruning |
| tree–feeding | tree insulator | tree–ripened |
| tree–fringed | tree–lined | tree–sawing |
| tree–garnished | tree–locked | tree–shaded |
| tree–girt | tree–loving | tree–skirted |
| tree guard | tree–marked | tree–spraying |
| tree–haunting | tree–planted | tree tag |
| tree–hewing | tree planter | treetop |
| tree holder | tree–planting | tree–trimmer |
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