noun
wattle
An acacia tree or shrub.
The wattle beside the path is covered in yellow flowers.
Etymology
Acacia branches were used in woven building frameworks called wattle. The construction word transferred to the Australian trees supplying the material.
More examples
- We plant two wattles along the fence.
- This wattle needs more room for its spreading branches.
- She collects seeds from a wattle in her garden.
Forms
wattle · wattles
Similar words
- acacia
- Identifies the plant group rather than its Australian common name.