acacia
a
[[ME < OFr acacie < L acacia < Gr akakia, shittah tree, thorny tree; prob. < akē, a point, thorn < IE base *a-: see acid]]
1
a) any of several trees, shrubs, or other plants (genus Acacia) of the mimosa family, with clusters of yellow or white flowers: many are cultivated as ornamentals, and some yield gum arabic, dyes, or perfumes
b) the flower
2 gum arabic
3 locust (sense 3a): also called false acacia
