Definition

Noun 1. A species of flowering tree: Grevillea robusta is a medium to tall, fast-growing tree known for its distinctive orange flowers and leaves that are feathery, bipinnate, and silky-hairy on their underside. It is native to eastern Australia.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The Grevillea robusta is often planted as a shade tree in tropical regions.
  • The timber from Grevillea robusta is used in cabinetmaking.
  • You can identify a Grevillea robusta by its unique, toothbrush-shaped orange blossoms.

Advanced Usage

• Common Names: In common usage, is frequently referred to by its vernacular names rather than its scientific binomial. These include silky oak (primarily for its timber), southern silky oak, or Australian silver oak.
  • Example: Although called silky oak, it is not a true oak (Quercus species).

Variants and Related Words

• silky oak (n): The most common common name for this tree, especially referring to its wood.
• southern silky oak (n): A variant of the common name.
• Australian silver oak (n): Another common name used in some regions.

Synonyms

• silky oak (n): The primary synonym in non-scientific contexts.
• silk oak (n): A less common variant of the common name.

Notes on Meaning

This term refers specifically to a single botanical species. Its primary meaning is the living tree itself. A secondary meaning refers to the valuable timber produced by this tree, which is commercially known as silky oak. It is important to note that it is not related to true oaks (genus Quercus).

Noun

1. medium to tall fast-growing tree with orange flowers and feathery bipinnate leaves silky-hairy beneath; eastern Australia