/keuh tal"peuh/ , n.
any of several trees constituting the genus Catalpa, of the bignonia family, esp. C. speciosa, of the central U.S., or C. bignonioides, of the southern U.S., having opposite, sometimes whorled leaves, clusters of white flowers, and long, beanlike seed pods. Also called Indian bean .
[ 1720-30, Amer.; ( katalpa, equiv. to ka-, comb. form of iká head + talpa wing (appar. so called from the shape of the flower) ]