alligator juniper

noun

: an evergreen shrub or small tree (Juneperus deppeana) of the southwestern U.S. and adjacent Mexico having an edible sweet fruit

Word History

Etymology

so called from the ridged appearance of its bark

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alligator juniper was in 1897

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near alligator juniper

Cite this Entry

“Alligator juniper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alligator%20juniper. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!