Aspen

¹

[as-puhn]

noun

1. a town in central Colorado: ski resort.

aspen

²

[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

/ 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

In Yosemite, their return has been credited with the recovery of willows, aspens and cottonwoods, as well as an increase in beavers, songbirds and fish species.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The sun was bright, the temperatures hovered in the upper-60s, and leaves of maple, oak, aspen and ginkgo trees colored the city with splashes of yellow, orange and red.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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.

Read more on BBC

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

Read more on New York Times

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

Read more on Science Daily