Alders

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: [ˈɔː.ldəz]

Definitions

1. A type of tree belonging to the genus Alnus, commonly found in moist habitats and valued for its ability to improve soil quality
2. A source of timber often used in furniture and cabinetry, known for its light weight and resistance to warping
3. An important species in ecosystems for providing habitat and food for various wildlife, particularly in wetlands and riverbanks

Etymology: "Alders" is simply the plural of "alder", the tree in the genus Alnus. The singular has a long pedigree in English: it descends from Old English "alor", which passed through Middle English "aldre" before settling into its modern spelling. Its roots reach back to a Proto-Germanic form, "*aluz", whose exact earlier meaning is not something the record preserves clearly. The noun is an inherited word, not a borrowing, so the tree's name has been part of the language since the earliest English texts. Its spelling shifted over the centuries, with the "-or" ending of Old English gradually giving way to "-er" in Middle English.

Synonyms: trees, shrubs