How Do You Spell CATALPA?

Pronunciation: [kˈatalpə] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "catalpa" can be a bit confusing, but it can be broken down with IPA phonetic transcription. It is pronounced /kəˈtælpə/ with the stress on the second syllable. The "ca" at the beginning of the word is pronounced with a schwa sound, spelled as /kə/. The "t" in the middle is pronounced as a voiceless alveolar plosive, /t/. The second "a" in "pa" is pronounced as a short "a" sound, /æ/. The final syllable "pa" is pronounced as /pə/ with a schwa sound.

CATALPA Meaning and Definition

  1. Catalpa refers to a deciduous tree belonging to the family Bignoniaceae and the genus Catalpa, predominantly found in North America, mostly in the eastern and southern regions. The term "catalpa" is derived from the Creek and Choctaw Native American languages.

    The catalpa tree typically grows up to 60 feet in height, featuring large, heart-shaped leaves that are arranged oppositely on the branches. It also bears attractive tubular flowers, usually white or yellowish-white in color, with purple or orange markings inside. These flowers bloom during late spring or early summer, lending the tree a visually striking appearance.

    Apart from its aesthetic value, catalpa possesses certain practical uses as well. Its durable wood is often employed in the construction of fences, railroad ties, and furniture, owing to its resistance to decay. The tree's timber is even utilized in making musical instruments, such as guitars and drumsticks. Furthermore, the long, bean-like capsules produced by the catalpa contain numerous seeds and serve as a food source for wildlife, including birds and squirrels.

    In addition to its physical aspects, the catalpa tree also holds cultural significance. It has been associated with various folklore and traditions, and in some Native American tribes, the catalpa bark has been used in medicinal remedies.

    Overall, catalpa is a versatile tree, admired for its beauty, durability, and ecological benefits, making it a valuable addition to natural landscapes and human habitats alike.

  2. The bark or fruit of Catalpa bignonioides or C. speciosa, cigar-tree, bean-tree, a large tree of the eastern United States; it is employed in eclectic medicine in the treatment of asthma and chronic bronchitis, in doses of 1 to 5 drops of the specific preparation.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Top Common Misspellings for CATALPA *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for CATALPA

Etymology of CATALPA

The word "catalpa" comes from the Native American Creek language, where it was known as "katápa". It was later adopted into the English language.

Similar spelling words for CATALPA

Plural form of CATALPA is CATALPAS

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