giant sequoia

[jahy-uhnt si-kwaw-uh]

noun

1. an endangered coniferous tree, Sequoiadendron giganteum (formerlySequoia gigantea ), of coastal California with massive girth and tremendous height, one of three extant species of subfamily Sequoioideae: the largest in volume and among the oldest of all living things, giant sequoias have been known to exceed 52,000 cubic feet (1,472 cubic meters) in trunk size, 300 feet (91.5 meters) in height, and 3,200 years in age.

Word History and Origins

Origin of giant sequoia¹

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

An aerial assessment mid-morning Monday showed flames in the crown of one of the giant sequoias, which can grow to more than 300 feet, said Adrienne Freeman, spokesperson for the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

The lightning-sparked Garnet fire burning in Fresno County is threatening about 200 giant sequoias trees in a grove considered vulnerable to flames.

From Los Angeles Times

The Garnet fire burning in the Sierra National Forest in Fresno County has come within three miles of a stately grove of giant sequoias.

From Los Angeles Times

Yosemite is famous for its awe-inspiring valley, while Sequoia and Kings Canyon are known for their giant sequoia trees.

From Los Angeles Times

Hua said that she died at the scene of the accident, surrounded by the giant sequoias that line the hiking trail.

From Los Angeles Times