alligator juniper

noun

: an evergreen shrub or small tree (Juneperus deppeana) of the southwestern U.S. and adjacent Mexico having an edible sweet fruit

Word History

Etymology

so called from the ridged appearance of its bark

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alligator juniper was in 1897

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Dictionary Entries Near alligator juniper

Cite this Entry

“Alligator juniper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alligator%20juniper. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

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