hop hornbeam

noun

1. any of several Eurasian and North American trees of the genus Ostrya, of the birch family, especially O. virginiana, bearing hoplike fruiting clusters.

Word History and Origins

Origin of hop hornbeam¹

An Americanism dating back to 1775–85

Example Sentences

The hop hornbeam has habits like the other ironwood and an equal reputation for the hardness of its wood.

From Project Gutenberg

The fine, delicate spray of the hop hornbeam is a fairy net whose every mesh is fringed with immaculate beauty.

From Project Gutenberg

The great tangle of vine and lace work mixed with snow is young hop hornbeam, supporting honeysuckle.

From Project Gutenberg