acacia

noun

1. 1. any of several trees, shrubs, or other plants (genus Acacia) of the mimosa family, with clusters of yellow or white flowers: many are cultivated as ornamentals, and some yield gum arabic, dyes, or perfumes
   2. the flower
2. gum arabic
3. locust (sense )
   also called false acacia

Origin: ME < OFr acacie < L acacia < Gr akakia, shittah tree, thorny tree; prob. < akē, a point, thorn < IE base *a-: see acid