plane tree

American  

noun

1. any tree of the genus Platanus, especially P. occidentalis, the buttonwood or sycamore of North America, having palmately lobed leaves and bark that sheds.

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plane tree British  

noun

1. Also called: platan.  any tree of the genus Platanus, having ball-shaped heads of fruits and leaves with pointed lobes: family Platanaceae. The hybrid P. × acerifolia ( London plane ) is frequently planted in towns

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Etymology

Origin of plane tree

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50

Example Sentences

To this day, a magnificent plane tree crop still surrounds Artemis’ temple at Karyes.

From Salon • Dec. 18, 2023

The work began at a wrinkled grayish London plane tree next to the Walla Walla High School football field.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 1, 2023

Before long, a protester had hunkered down in a nearby plane tree for a hunger strike.

From New York Times • Jul. 18, 2022

A 150-year-old plane tree in Hackney, east London, called the Happy Man Tree has been adorned and celebrated by the community, after it was earmarked for felling to make way for housing.

From BBC • Aug. 25, 2020

They met at the seventh of their appointed meeting places, among the roots of a plane tree in a shabby little square, and exchanged their news.

From "The Amber Spyglass" by Philip Pullman