Maple

Maple

Noun · /ˈmeɪ.pəl/

Definition

A tree or shrub of the genus Acer, found across the temperate Northern Hemisphere, known for its distinctive lobed leaves, winged seeds (samaras), and hard fine-grained timber; the maple leaf being the national symbol of Canada; maple syrup being produced from the sap of the sugar maple.

Origin

From Old English mapel (maple tree), from Proto-Germanic *mapulaz, of uncertain further origin. The word has been in English since the Old English period. The sugar maple is native to eastern North America and the production of maple syrup and maple sugar was practised by Indigenous peoples of North America long before European contact.