maple
ma.ple \'ma--p*l\ n [ME, fr. OE mapul-; akin to ON mo:purr maple] : any of a genus (Acer) of trees or shrubs of a family (Aceraceae, t he maple family) with opposite leaves and a fruit of two united samaras; also : the hard light-colored close-grained wood of a maple used esp. for flooring and furniture