rain tree

American  

noun

1. monkeypod.

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rain tree British  

noun

1. a leguminous tree, Samanea saman , native to Central America and widely planted in the tropics for ornament. It has red-and-yellow feathery flowers and pinnate leaves whose leaflets close at the approach of rain

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Etymology

Origin of rain tree

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

The new towers, once built, will stand 30 stories high and overlook the rain tree.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 30, 2023

Last week, the rain tree, still perched high up on its grassy island, was moved to its new permanent home, about 15 feet from the water’s edge.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 30, 2023

“Now the rain tree is in place and it is in even further jeopardy,” she told The South Florida Sun Sentinel.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 30, 2023

Donna Meents, whose condo looks down upon the rain tree, is keeping close watch.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 30, 2023

We sat in the shade of a gnarled rain tree.

From "The Bridge Home" by Padma Venkatraman