bear oak

noun

: a shrubby evergreen oak (Quercus ilicifolia) of the southeastern U.S. usually forming dense thickets

Word History

Etymology

so called from its acorns' serving as food for bears and other wildlife

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Dictionary Entries Near bear oak

Cite this Entry

“Bear oak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bear%20oak. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.

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