cedar of lebanon: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
lowliterary, formal, historical, botanical
Quick answer
What does “cedar of lebanon” mean?
A large evergreen coniferous tree native to the mountains of the Eastern Mediterranean, specifically Lebanon, Syria, and Turkey, known for its wide-spreading branches and durable, fragrant wood.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large evergreen coniferous tree native to the mountains of the Eastern Mediterranean, specifically Lebanon, Syria, and Turkey, known for its wide-spreading branches and durable, fragrant wood.
A tree historically revered and symbolic of resilience, beauty, and cultural heritage, particularly in Lebanese national identity and Biblical texts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences; usage patterns identical. Spelling of related words ('honour/honor') may vary.
Connotations
Primarily carries historical, literary, and botanical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “cedar of lebanon” in a Sentence
The [adjective] cedar of lebanon [verb]...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cedar of lebanon” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The cedar-of-lebanon specimen in the arboretum is over a century old.
American English
- They built a bench from cedar-of-Lebanon wood.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Used in botany, forestry, archaeology, and religious studies texts.
Everyday
Virtually unused unless discussing specific historical, cultural, or horticultural topics.
Technical
Used in botanical descriptions and forestry management.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cedar of lebanon”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cedar of lebanon”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cedar of lebanon”
- Incorrect article: 'a cedar of Lebanon' is acceptable, but 'the Cedar of Lebanon' (capitalized) often refers to the species as a whole.
- Misplacing the stress: It's 'Cedar OF Lebanon', not 'Cedar of LEBanon' in natural speech.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'cedar of Lebanon' (Cedrus libani) is a specific species. Many trees called 'cedars' (like red cedar) belong to different genera.
It is famous for its historical use in ancient shipbuilding and temples (like Solomon's Temple) and as a national symbol of Lebanon.
It is possible in suitable climates (temperate, with cold winters), but it grows very large and is best for parks or large estates, not small gardens.
Yes, the cedar of Lebanon is mentioned numerous times in the Old Testament, often as a symbol of strength, majesty, and prosperity.
A large evergreen coniferous tree native to the mountains of the Eastern Mediterranean, specifically Lebanon, Syria, and Turkey, known for its wide-spreading branches and durable, fragrant wood.
Cedar of lebanon is usually literary, formal, historical, botanical in register.
Cedar of lebanon: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsiːdər əv ˈlɛbənən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsidər əv ˈlɛbənən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As sturdy as a cedar of lebanon”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine the flag of Lebanon: the central white band features a green CEDAR OF LEBANON tree.
Conceptual Metaphor
STRENGTH AND ENDURANCE IS THE CEDAR OF LEBANON (e.g., 'His resolve was like the cedar of Lebanon, unshaken by the storm').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary context for encountering the term 'cedar of Lebanon'?