Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of large deciduous tree: A beech is a tree belonging to the genus Fagus, characterized by smooth grey bark, a broad spreading crown, and producing small, sweet, edible nuts.
   • The wood from this tree: Beech is a hard, pale wood used in making furniture, flooring, tool handles, and plywood.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (referring to the tree):
  • The old beech in the park provides wonderful shade in the summer.
  • Beeches are common in the forests of North America and Europe.
• Noun (referring to the wood):
  • The table is made of solid beech.
  • Beech is often used for kitchen utensils because it is hard and does not splinter easily.

Advanced Usage

• "Beech mast": The collective term for the nuts (beechnuts) produced by beech trees, often as a food source for wildlife.
  • The forest floor was covered with beech mast, attracting many squirrels and birds.

Variants and Related Words

• Beechnut (n): The small, triangular edible nut of the beech tree.
  • Children sometimes collect beechnuts in the autumn.
• Beechwood (n): Another term for beech timber.
  • The chair is crafted from fine beechwood.

Synonyms

• Tree: None that are exact, but it is a specific type of tree.
• Wood/Timber: Beechwood.

Related Phrases

(This word does not commonly form phrasal verbs.)

Related Idioms

(This word is not commonly used in idioms.)

Noun

1. wood of any of various beech trees; used for flooring and containers and plywood and tool handles
2. any of several large deciduous trees with rounded spreading crowns and smooth grey bark and small sweet edible triangular nuts enclosed in burs; north temperate regions