aspen

¹

[as-puhn]

noun

1. any of various poplars, as Populus tremula, of Europe, and P. tremuloides quaking aspen or P. alba white aspen, of America, having soft wood and alternate ovate leaves that tremble in the slightest breeze.

adjective

1. of or relating to the aspen.

2. trembling or quivering, like the leaves of the aspen.

Aspen

²

[as-puhn]

noun

1. a town in central Colorado: ski resort.

aspen

/ ˈæspən /

noun

1. Archaic name: asp. any of several trees of the salicaceous genus Populus, such as P. tremula of Europe, in which the leaves are attached to the stem by long flattened stalks so that they quiver in the wind

adjective

1. archaic,  trembling

Word History and Origins

Origin of aspen¹

1350–1400; Middle English aspen (adj.), Old English æspen; cognate with Old Frisian espen (adj.), espenbeam, Middle Dutch espenboom, Old High German espîn (adj.). See asp ², -en ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of aspen¹

Old English æspe; see _asp ²

Example Sentences

It has been trying to restore the woodlands by introducing downy birch, sessile oak, hazel, willow, aspen and alder as well as endangered tree species such as Arran whitebeam.

From BBC

Yes, stands of aspen and willows are thriving again — in some places.

From New York Times

In many areas, deciduous shrubs and trees, like willow and aspen, are moving in after a fire.

From Science Daily

Seattle-based artist and journalist Jeff Rice recorded the sounds for this multimedia installation in Pando, a gigantic grove of interconnected quaking aspen trees in Utah — and one of the world’s largest single organisms.

From Seattle Times

Groves of aspen can mature within a half-century.

From Washington Times