I. ˈärbər, ˈȧbə noun
( -s )
Usage: see -or
Etymology: Middle English erber, herber plot of grass, herb garden, shady bower, from Old French erbier, herbier plot of grass, from herbe herb, grass — more at herb
1. : a bower formed of vines or branches or of latticework covered with climbing shrubs or vines : a shaded retreat
2. obsolete : a shaded or covered walk
II. noun
Etymology: Latin, tree, beam; perhaps akin to Latin arduus steep, high — more at arduous
1. -s : a principal supporting rod or bar: as
a. : a spindle or axle of a wheel (as in a clock or watch)
b. : a metal shaft or axis on which a revolving cutting tool (as a circular saw) is mounted ; sometimes : a spindle or bar on a cutting machine that holds the work to be cut — compare mandrel
c. : the central bar or support of a mold core
2. plural ar·bo·res ˈärbəˌrēz, ˈȧb- : a tree as distinguished from a shrub