turkey oak

noun

1. any of several oaks, as Quercus cerris, of Eurasia, or Q. laevis and Q. incana, of the southern U.S., that grow on dry, sandy barrens.

Turkey oak

noun

1. an oak tree, Quercus cerris , of W and S Europe, with deeply lobed hairy leaves

Word History and Origins

Origin of turkey oak¹

An Americanism dating back to 1700–10

Word History and Origins

Origin of turkey oak¹

C18: so called because its acorns are often eaten by turkeys

Example Sentences

The fact is, the name forked-leaf oak is applied oftener to the turkey oak (Quercus catesbæi) than to this one.

From Project Gutenberg

Tests of the wood to determine its character and qualities do not justify so low an estimate of turkey oak.

From Project Gutenberg

Woodlots of turkey oak planted in fertile land would probably do as well as most of the southern red oaks under like conditions.

From Project Gutenberg

Turkey-Oak is so call'd from a small Acorn it bears, which the wild Turkeys feed on.

From Project Gutenberg