turkey oak

noun

1. any of several oaks, as Quercus cerris, of Eurasia, or Q. laevis and Q. incana, of the southern U.S., that grow on dry, sandy barrens.

Turkey oak

noun

1. an oak tree, Quercus cerris , of W and S Europe, with deeply lobed hairy leaves

Word History and Origins

Origin of turkey oak¹

An Americanism dating back to 1700–10

Word History and Origins

Origin of turkey oak¹

C18: so called because its acorns are often eaten by turkeys