a tall plant with a wooden trunk, branches, and leaves
The children played under the big oak tree in the park.
In autumn, the leaves of this maple tree turn bright red.
✦ Old English “trēo, trēow” meaning “tree, wood”, of Germanic origin.
a diagram or computer data structure that begins at a single point and branches out to show hierarchy or relationships
The file manager displays the folders in a tree on the left side of the screen.
An XML document can be represented as a tree of elements.
✦ Metaphorically extended from the branching shape of a living tree to diagrams and data structures in the mid-20th century.
to chase or force a person or animal up into a tree so that they cannot escape
The dogs treed a raccoon behind the farmhouse.
If you keep running, the bear might tree you.
✦ 19th-century American usage, from the idea of driving an animal up a tree during a hunt.
a public road in a town or city with buildings along it where vehicles and people travel
The children played basketball in the quiet street until sunset.
A colorful parade marched down the main street of the city, drawing excited crowds.
✦ Old English “strǣt”, from Latin “strata” meaning ‘paved road’.
the life, experiences, or opinions of ordinary city people, especially those living in tough urban conditions
Her rap lyrics capture the raw voice of the street.
Journalists were eager to learn what the street thought about the new tax law.
