Definition

Noun: 1. A type of deciduous tree: Any of various trees of the genus Tilia, characterized by heart-shaped leaves, drooping clusters of fragrant yellowish flowers, and often yielding valuable timber. Commonly known as a linden or lime tree. 2. The wood from this tree: The soft, light-colored wood obtained from a basswood tree, used in woodworking, carving, and for making items like boxes and crates.

Examples

• Noun (Tree):

  • The large basswood in the park provides wonderful shade in the summer.
  • Bees are often attracted to the fragrant flowers of the basswood.

• Noun (Wood):

  • The sculptor chose basswood for the carving because it is easy to work with.
  • These lightweight boxes are made from basswood.

Advanced Usage

• "American basswood" (Tilia americana): A specific, common North American species of this tree.
  • The American basswood is a dominant tree in many eastern forests.

Variants and Related Words

• Linden (n): Another common name for the basswood tree.
• Lime tree (n): A name used for this tree, particularly in British English (not related to the citrus fruit).
• Basswood is used attributively as an adjective to describe things made from or related to the wood.
  • A basswood carving. A basswood forest.

Synonyms

• Linden (n): The most direct synonym for the tree.
• Lime (n): (British English) Synonym for the tree.
• Softwood (n, general): A general category for wood like basswood, though not a precise synonym as basswood is technically a hardwood from a deciduous tree.

Noun

1. 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
2. soft light-colored wood of any of various linden trees; used in making crates and boxes and in carving and millwork