Acer
/ˈeɪsər/noun
A genus of trees and shrubs in the maple family.
Did you know?The Latin name *Acer* for maple is traditionally linked to the idea of “sharp” or “pointed,” possibly referring to the tree’s lobed leaves or hard wood, but the exact botanical naming history is not fully certain.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Latin
Latin
acer
“sharp, keen, pungent”
Late Latin
Latin
acer (as a tree name)
“maple tree”
Medieval Latin
Latin
Acer
“used as a scholarly botanical genus name for maples”
Modern English
English
Acer
“the maple genus in scientific classification”