birch / bərch/ • n. (also birch tree) a slender, fast-growing tree (genus Betula, family Betulaceae) that has thin bark (often peeling) and bears catkins. Birches grow chiefly in north temperate regions. ∎  (also birchwood) the hard fine-grained pale wood of any of these trees.

birch Any of c.40 species of trees and shrubs native to cooler areas of the Northern Hemisphere. The double-toothed leaves are oval or triangular with blunt bases and arranged alternately along branches. The smooth, resinous bark peels off in papery sheets. Male catkins droop, whereas smaller female catkins stand upright and develop into cone-like clusters with tiny, one-seeded nuts. Well-known species include the grey, silver, sweet, and yellow birches. Height: up to 40m (130ft). Family Betulaceae; genus Betula.

birch OE. bi(e)rċe = MLG. berke, OHG. birka (G. birke) :- Gmc. *berkjōn; rel. to synon. OE. be(o)rc = Du. berk, ON. bjǫrk :- Gmc. *berkō; Cf. Skr. bhūrja-, L. farnus, fraxinus ash-tree.

birch See BETULA.