linden

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun soft light-colored wood of any of various linden trees; used in making crates and boxes and in carving and millwork
  2. noun any of various deciduous trees of the genus Tilia with heart-shaped leaves and drooping cymose clusters of yellowish often fragrant flowers; several yield valuable timber

Etymology

From Middle English linden, from Old English linden (“linden”, adjective), from Proto-Germanic *lindīnaz, from Proto-Germanic *lindō (“linden tree”), equivalent to lind + -en. Cognate with Middle Low German linden (“linden”, adjective), German Low German Linnenboom (“linden-tree”), West Frisian linenbeam (“linden-tree”), German linden (“linden”, adjective). The English noun developed from the adjective.

In classic literature

Synonyms

basswood

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