Quercus
/ˈkwɛr.kʊs/noun
A Latin word for an oak tree, especially used in scientific names.
Did you know?In Roman culture, the oak was associated with Jupiter, and oak wreaths could symbolize divine favor, civic honor, and protection.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*perkus / *perkʷus
“A proposed ancient root meaning 'oak' or 'tree' in some reconstructions, though the exact prehistory of Latin quercus is uncertain.”
Ancient Latin
Latin
quercus
“Oak tree.”
Classical Latin
Latin
quercus
“Oak tree; by extension, oak wood.”
Modern Scientific Latin
Latin
Quercus
“Genus name for the oaks.”