coffee-tree

A farmer tends to a coffee-tree on a sunny hillside.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A tropical shrub or tree of the genus Coffea: The "coffee-tree" is the plant that produces coffee beans, from which the beverage coffee is made. It is cultivated in warm climates and has glossy leaves and white flowers that develop into red or purple fruits (coffee cherries) containing seeds (beans).

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The coffee-tree is native to Ethiopia and is now grown in many tropical regions. (The plant that yields coffee.)
  • Farmers prune the coffee-tree to improve bean quality and yield. (They trim the shrub to enhance crop output.)

Advanced Usage

• "to plant a coffee-tree": to cultivate the plant for coffee production.

  • They decided to plant a coffee-tree in their backyard for a small harvest. (They grew the shrub for personal use.)

• "coffee-tree disease": a disease affecting the plant, such as coffee rust.

  • The coffee-tree is vulnerable to leaf rust, which can devastate entire plantations. (A fungal disease that harms the plant.)

Variants and Related Words

• Coffee (n): the drink made from roasted beans of the coffee-tree.
  • I drink coffee every morning. (The beverage from the plant.)
• Coffee bean (n): the seed of the coffee-tree used to make coffee.
  • The coffee beans are roasted before grinding. (The raw seeds.)
• Coffee plant (n): an alternative term for the coffee-tree, often used interchangeably.
  • The coffee plant requires shade and consistent rainfall. (The same shrub or tree.)

Synonyms

• Coffee plant: the shrub or tree that bears coffee.
• Coffea: the scientific genus name for coffee-trees.

Related Idioms

• Wake up and smell the coffee: to become aware of reality.
  • You need to wake up and smell the coffee; this plan won't work. (Realize the truth.)
• Coffee break: a short rest period, often with coffee.
  • We take a coffee break at 10 a.m. (A pause for refreshment.)