from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Mangrove \Man"grove\, n. [Malay manggi-manggi.]
1. (Bot.) The name of one or two trees of the genus
{Rhizophora} ({Rhizophora Mangle}, and {Rhizophora
mucronata}, the last doubtfully distinct) inhabiting muddy
shores of tropical regions, where they spread by emitting
aerial roots, which fasten in the saline mire and
eventually become new stems. The seeds also send down a
strong root while yet attached to the parent plant.
[1913 Webster]
Note: The fruit has a ruddy brown shell, and a delicate white
pulp which is sweet and eatable. The bark is
astringent, and is used for tanning leather. The black
and the white mangrove ({Avicennia nitida} and
{Avicennia tomentosa}) have much the same habit.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Zool.) The mango fish.
[1913 Webster]