arbutus
|ar-bu-tus|
🇺🇸
/ˈɑɹbətəs/
🇬🇧
/ˈɑːbətəs/
strawberry tree (evergreen shrub/tree)
Etymology
'arbutus' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'arbutus', where it meant 'strawberry tree'.
'arbutus' changed from an Ancient Greek word (recorded as ἀρβοῦτος / 'arboutos') into Latin 'arbutus' and was carried into Medieval Latin and later English as 'arbutus'.
Initially it meant 'strawberry tree' in classical sources; over time the term broadened to refer to any member of the genus Arbutus (including species like the madrone) in modern botanical and common usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
any tree or shrub of the genus Arbutus, evergreen plants with peeling bark and red berry-like fruit; commonly called the strawberry tree.
An arbutus at the edge of the garden bore bright red berries all autumn.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/03 15:48