tree  (trē) 
n. A perennial woody plant having a main trunk and usually a distinct crown. A plant or shrub resembling a tree in form or size. A gallows. The cross on which Jesus was crucified.
Something, such as a clothes tree, that resembles a tree in form. A wooden beam, post, stake, or bar used as part of a framework or structure. A saddletree. A diagram that has branches in descending lines showing relationships as of hierarchy or lineage: a family tree; a telephone tree. Computer Science A structure for organizing or classifying data in which every item can be traced to a single origin through a unique path. Archaic A gallows. The cross on which Jesus was crucified.
tr.v.
treed, tree·ing, trees
To force up a tree: Dogs treed the raccoon. Informal To force into a difficult position; corner. To supply with trees: treed the field with oaks. To stretch (a shoe or boot) onto a shoetree.
[Middle English, from Old English trēow; see deru- in Indo-European roots.]
tree'less adj. |
