metasequoia: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowSpecialised / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “metasequoia” mean?
A genus of deciduous coniferous tree.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A genus of deciduous coniferous tree; the dawn redwood.
A living fossil tree, once thought extinct, with needle-like leaves that turn colour in autumn and a distinctive, buttressed trunk.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage. Spelling and pronunciation are identical.
Connotations
None beyond its botanical/scientific classification.
Frequency
Equally rare in both varieties, confined to botanical, horticultural, or paleontological contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “metasequoia” in a Sentence
The [botanical garden] contains a magnificent [metasequoia].Fossil records show that [metasequoia] was once widespread.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “metasequoia” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The metasequoia fossils were remarkably well-preserved.
American English
- The landscape featured metasequoia-dominated woodlands.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in botanical, paleontological, forestry, and environmental science papers.
Everyday
Almost never used. Might be mentioned by gardening enthusiasts or in arboretum visits.
Technical
Core term in botany and paleobotany for this specific genus.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “metasequoia”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “metasequoia”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “metasequoia”
- Mispronouncing the 'sequoia' part as /siˈkoɪə/ instead of /sɪˈkwɔɪə/.
- Using it as a common noun for any large/coniferous tree.
- Incorrectly capitalizing it when not referring to the genus name.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are different genera. Metasequoia (dawn redwood) is deciduous and smaller. Sequoia (coast redwood) and Sequoiadendron (giant sequoia) are evergreen giants native to California.
They are planted in many botanical gardens, arboretums, and parks worldwide due to their botanical significance and attractive appearance.
Because the genus was first described from fossil evidence and was believed to be extinct for millions of years before living specimens were discovered in China in the 1940s.
The common pronunciation is /ˌmɛtəsɪˈkwɔɪə/. Stress is on the 'quoi' syllable (/ˈkwɔɪ/).
A genus of deciduous coniferous tree.
Metasequoia is usually specialised / scientific in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A living metasequoia: something ancient and rare that was thought to be lost.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
META (changed) + SEQUOIA (like the redwood) = a redwood that has changed (or was discovered later in the fossil record).
Conceptual Metaphor
A LIVING FOSSIL is a relic from the past; a bridge between ancient and modern worlds.
Practice
Quiz
What is a defining characteristic of the metasequoia?