plane tree

noun

1. any tree of the genus Platanus, especially P. occidentalis, the buttonwood or sycamore of North America, having palmately lobed leaves and bark that sheds.

plane tree

noun

1. any tree of the genus Platanus, having ball-shaped heads of fruits and leaves with pointed lobes: family Platanaceae. The hybrid P. × acerifolia ( London plane ) is frequently planted in towns Also calledplatan

Word History and Origins

Origin of plane tree¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50

Word History and Origins

Origin of plane tree¹

C14 plane, from Old French, from Latin platanus, from Greek platanos, from platos wide, referring to the leaves

Example Sentences

The sequestered spot, a seat beneath a plane tree, with a lonesome arc-lamp shining full upon it, was occupied.

From Project Gutenberg

Besides the oath of Socrates, “by the dog,” he is reported to have sworn variously by the goose and by the plane-tree.

From Project Gutenberg

It looked altogether different now in the chequered sunlight of the plane tree.

From Project Gutenberg

There was a certain species of tree which grew in these countries called the plane-tree.

From Project Gutenberg

In the plane-tree, or sycamore, this inner wrapping of the bud is a little pelisse of soft yellow or tawny fur.

From Project Gutenberg