mangrove
Americannoun
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any tropical tree or shrub of the genus Rhizophora, the species of which are mostly low trees growing in marshes or tidal shores, noted for their interlacing above-ground adventitious roots.
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any of various similar plants.
noun
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any tropical evergreen tree or shrub of the genus Rhizophora, having stiltlike intertwining aerial roots and growing below the highest tide levels in estuaries and along coasts, forming dense thickets: family Rhizophoraceae
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( as modifier )
mangrove swamp
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any of various similar trees or shrubs of the genus Avicennia: family Avicenniaceae
Etymology
Origin of mangrove
First recorded in 1605–15; alteration (by folk etymology) of earlier mangrow, from Portuguese mangue, ultimately derived from Taíno
Explanation
A mangrove is a tree that grows in salty, tropical water near the coast. Most mangroves are found near the equator, though some grow as far north as Florida. Scientists explain the wide distribution of mangroves to the movement of the earth's plates. The oldest mangrove fossils are at least 75 million years old; these ancient, salt-loving trees adapted over time to filter sea water. Mangroves play a role in sustaining coastal areas, even staving off the worst effects of tsunamis. Experts aren't certain about the word's origin, but one theory traces it to a native West Indies language like Carib or Arawakan.
Vocabulary lists containing mangrove
The United States
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Southeast Asia - Introductory
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Southeast Asia - Middle School
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Their findings suggest that although certain areas may temporarily accumulate more carbon as water levels increase, the overall capacity of mangrove forests to store carbon is likely to decline over the next century.
From Science Daily • Jun. 5, 2026
In many countries, including Brazil, new mangrove forests have taken hold along rivers and coastlines with an abundant supply of nutrients in the sediments.
From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026
Similarly, certain marine strategies focus on restoring or protecting coastal ecosystems such as mangrove swamps.
From Science Daily • Nov. 20, 2025
It was flooded as the water swept across the mangrove and into the facility.
From BBC • Nov. 7, 2025
It was a full moon, so the whole island would be illuminated with light except for the most dense corners of the mangrove forest.
From "Tiger Boy" by Mitali Perkins
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
