Gambel oak

noun

Gam·​bel oak

ˈgambəl-

: a shrub or small tree (Quercus gambelii) of the Rocky mountains with thin scaly gray-brown bark, thick firm leaves with 7 to 11 lobes, and acorns enclosed to half their length by the scaly pubescent cup

Word History

Etymology

after William Gambel †1849 American ornithologist

First Known Use

1878, in the meaning defined above

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!