First Known Use: 1613
Dictionary
mangrove
noun man·grove \ˈman-ˌgrōv, ˈmaŋ-\
: a tropical tree that has roots which grow from its branches and that grows in swamps or shallow salt water
Full Definition of MANGROVE
1
: any of a genus (Rhizophora, especially R. mangle of the family Rhizophoraceae) of tropical maritime trees or shrubs that send out many prop roots and form dense masses important in coastal land building and as foundations of unique ecosystems
2
: any of numerous trees (as of the genera Avicennia of the vervain family or Sonneratia of the family Sonneratiaceae) with growth habits like those of the true mangroves
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Origin of MANGROVE
probably from Portuguese mangue mangrove (from Spanish mangle, probably from Taino) + English grove
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