Pronunciation: [ɐlnjˈuːz] (IPA) 
The word "alnus" is spelled with an "a" followed by an "l," which is pronounced as /æl/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The next two letters are "n" and "u," with the former being pronounced as /n/ and the latter as /u/. Finally, the word ends with an "s", which is pronounced as /s/. The word "alnus" refers to a type of tree, also known as the alder, which is characterized by its leaves and bark.
Alnus is a noun that refers to a genus of deciduous trees or shrubs in the birch family, Betulaceae. It is commonly known as "alder." There are approximately 35 species of alnus distributed across temperate and northern regions of the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia.
Alnus trees are characterized by their dark green leaves that are typically oval-shaped and have serrated edges. They also produce small, pendulous flowers called catkins, which are usually reddish-brown or yellow. The flowers eventually develop into small fruit clusters containing winged seeds, known as samaras, which aid in their dispersal by wind.
These trees are typically found in moist or wet environments, such as riverbanks, wetlands, and forests, where they play an important ecological role. Alnus species are known for their ability to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere into the soil through a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in their root nodules. This process enriches the soil and benefits other plants growing nearby.
Alnus wood is valued for its durability and resistance to decay, making it suitable for various applications, such as construction, furniture making, and fuel. Additionally, alder wood is often used in smoking and flavoring foods, especially in traditional European cuisine.
In conclusion, alnus is a genus of trees or shrubs characterized by their deciduous nature, green leaves, and catkin flowers. They are typically found in wet environments and possess nitrogen-fixing abilities, providing ecological benefits. Finally, their wood is highly valued for its durability and various applications.
A genus of small trees or shrubs, the alders, the bark of which possesses tonic and astringent properties in doses of gr. 5-10 (0.3-0.6).
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "alnus" comes from the Latin term for "alder tree". It is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "*h₂élh₃os", which means "red". This root refers to the reddish color of the alder tree's wood. Latin borrowed the word from the Celtic language, where it was originally used to refer to the alder tree before being adopted into Latin.
