madrone

American  

[muh-droh-nuh] / məˈdroʊ nə /

Also madrona,

noun

1. any of several evergreen trees belonging to the genus Arbutus, of the heath family, especially A. menziesii Pacific madrone of western North America, having red, flaky bark and bearing edible reddish berries.

2. the pale reddish-brown wood of this tree.

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Etymology

Origin of madrone

An Americanism dating back to 1835–45; from Latin American Spanish (Panama, Colombia), Spanish madroño “strawberry tree,” Mozarabic maṭroño; further origin uncertain

Compare meaning

How does madrone compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• madrone vs. manzanita

Example Sentences

Aura raised $200 million at a $2.5 billion valuation in 2021 in an investment round led by Madrone Capital Partners.

From New York Times

A gradually sloping, continuous madrone wood staircase — known as the Hillclimb — ascends most of the length and height of the building, and from its peak offers a corridor view down Pine Street to Pike Place Market and the Sound.

From Seattle Times

Cedar, fir, madrone trees, scabbed with muscles, kelp, barnacles.

From Seattle Times

“I remember feeling the sun shining through the madrone or manzanita trees, the air smelling good, like fresh outdoor air,” Ringo, now in her 30s, told The Mercury News.

From New York Times

Made with chanterelles and truffles foraged in the forests of the Olympics, plus local lobster and matsutake mushrooms too, and madrone tea, braised kombu and dots of housemade pine oil, it contained silkiness, meatiness, umami and essence of the woods — it tasted magical, maybe made by elves or trees themselves, perfect for a dark and cold Northwest night.

From Seattle Times