Definition

Noun: 1. A type of hardwood tree: Refers to any of several trees belonging to the legume family (Leguminosae, also known as Fabaceae). These trees are known for their hard, durable wood and often bear seed pods.

Examples of Usage

• The large locust tree in the park provides excellent shade during the summer.
• The wood from the locust tree is highly resistant to rot, making it ideal for fence posts.
• Two common types are the black locust tree and the honey locust tree.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used specifically for trees of the genus (e.g., Black Locust) or (e.g., Honey Locust), which are native to North America but cultivated worldwide.

Variants and Related Words

• Locust (noun): Often used as a shortened, common name for the locust tree. (e.g., "They built the deck from locust.").
• Black locust (noun): A specific species () known for its fragrant white flowers and very hard wood.
• Honey locust (noun): A specific species () known for its large, often thorny seed pods.

Synonyms

• Acacia: While not botanically identical, some trees called "locust" (like the Black Locust, ) are sometimes confused with or related to trees in the broader Acacia genus. True acacias belong to a different subfamily within Fabaceae.
• Hardwood tree: A general descriptive term.

Related Phrases

• Locust wood (noun phrase): The timber harvested from a locust tree.
  • The durability of locust wood is legendary.
• Locust pod (noun phrase): The seed-containing fruit of a locust tree.
  • Children collected the long locust pods from the ground.

Noun

1. any of various hardwood trees of the family Leguminosae