arbor

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun tree (as opposed to shrub)
  2. noun any of various rotating shafts that serve as axes for larger rotating parts
  3. noun a framework that supports climbing plants

Etymology

From Middle English arbour, erbour, from Old French erbier (“field, meadow, kitchen garden”), from erbe (“grass, herb”), from Latin herba (“grass, herb”) (English herb). (Compare Late Latin herbārium, although erbier is possibly an independent formation.) The spelling was influenced by Latin arbor (“tree”).

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