mangrove

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a tropical or subtropical tree or shrub adapted to grow in salty or brackish coastal water, often with exposed supporting roots

   A red mangrove anchored itself in the tidal mud with arching prop roots.

2. 2
   noun

   a coastal forest or habitat dominated by mangrove trees and shrubs

   The mangrove shelters young fish and reduces erosion along the shore.

Altered from earlier English mangrowe under the influence of grove. Mangrowe probably came through Spanish or Portuguese forms such as mangle or mangue, ultimately from an Indigenous Caribbean language. The modern spelling therefore reflects folk etymology.

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