acacia

noun

aca·​cia ə-ˈkā-shə 

1

: gum arabic

2

: any of a large genus (Acacia) of leguminous shrubs and trees of warm regions with leaves pinnate or reduced to phyllodes and white or yellow flower clusters

Examples of acacia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This pool table is made with solid acacia and hardwood with a 1-inch three-piece slate bed. —Claire Peltier, ABC News, 8 Aug. 2024

Best Choice Products Acacia Wood Chaise Lounge Recliner Made of acacia wood, this sleek chaise lounge chair deserves a spot by your pool, even in the off season. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Oct. 2024

It’s formulated with natural waxes to amplify lashes and quick-drying acacia gum to hold the curl, according to the brand. —Alyssa Grabinski, Peoplemag, 17 Sep. 2024

Given the danger, tribes needed to take shifts keeping watch at night and construct walls made of thorny acacia bushes and to hold them at bay. —Tom Tapp, Deadline, 29 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, going back to Latin, "a species of Acacia, gum arabic," borrowed from Greek akakía "a plant of the Acacia genus (probably A. nilotica), acacia extract," of obscure origin; (sense 1) Middle English acacia, acacie "astringent gum made from the juice of green plums or sloes," borrowed from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French acasie, acacie "juice of plums or sloes," borrowed from Medieval Latin acacia, going back to Latin, "gum arabic"

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

acacia

noun

aca·​cia ə-ˈkā-shə 

1

: gum arabic

2

: any of numerous shrubs and trees of the legume family that grow in warm areas and have white or yellow flower clusters

Medical Definition

acacia

noun

aca·​cia ə-ˈkā-shə 

1

capitalized : a genus of woody leguminous plants of warm regions having pinnate leaves and white or yellow flower clusters see catechu

2

: any of the genus Acacia of leguminous plants

3

: gum arabic