Bo-Tree
/ˈboʊ ˌtriː/noun
A sacred fig tree, especially the tree revered in Buddhism as associated with the Buddha’s enlightenment.
Did you know?The sacred Sri Maha Bodhi in Sri Lanka is traditionally said to have been grown from a cutting of the original Bodhi tree and planted around 288 BCE.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bheudh-
“To be aware, notice, or awaken; the reconstructed root behind later Buddhist vocabulary.”
Ancient Sanskrit
Sanskrit
bodhi
“Awakening, understanding, or enlightenment.”
Ancient Pali
Pali
bodhi
“Enlightenment; the spiritual awakening associated with the Buddha.”
Ancient India
Sanskrit
bodhi-vṛkṣa
“The tree of awakening, from bodhi “enlightenment” and vṛkṣa “tree.””
Medieval Sri Lanka
Sinhala
bo
“A sacred fig tree, shortened from Pali bodhi.”
Modern English
English
bo-tree
“A sacred fig tree associated with the Buddha’s enlightenment.”
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