/as"peuhn/ , n.
1. any of various poplars, as Populus tremula, of Europe, and P. tremuloides (quaking aspen) or P. alba (white aspen) , of America, having soft wood and alternate ovate leaves that tremble in the slightest breeze.
adj.
2. of or pertaining to the aspen.
3. trembling or quivering, like the leaves of the aspen.
[ 1350-1400; ME aspen (adj.), OE aespen; c. OFris espen (adj.), espenbeam, MD espenboom, OHG espîn (adj.). See ASP 2 , -EN 2 ]