Athal
/ˈæθəl/noun
A tree of the genus Tamarix, especially the salt-tolerant Tamarix aphylla of arid regions.
Did you know?The athal is closely associated with desert oases and was historically valued for shade, wind protection, and tolerance of salty soil.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Semitic
Proto-Semitic
*ʾaṯl-
“A term for a tamarisk-like tree; the precise reconstructed form is uncertain.”
Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew
אֵשֶׁל (ʾēšel)
“Tamarisk or similar tree, mentioned as a tree planted by Abraham.”
Classical Arabic
Arabic
أَثْل (ʾathl)
“Tamarisk, especially a desert-growing tree.”
19th Century
English
athal
“An English botanical name for Tamarix aphylla and related tamarisks.”
Modern English
English
athal
“A salt-tolerant tamarisk tree of dry or desert regions.”