What does platane mean?
Platane is an uncommon noun for a plane tree, a member of the genus Platanus. In British and American English, the usual modern label is "plane tree," though platane remains understood and is sometimes used in writing, especially when an older or more literary tone is wanted. The word can denote any species of the genus, but in the British Isles it may specifically suggest the familiar London plane, with its mottled bark and broad, high canopy. North American speakers may encounter the related naming tradition in which the American sycamore is a Platanus species. Platane is therefore chiefly a formal or stylistic alternative to plane tree, not a separate kind of tree. It can be counted, as in "an old platane," or used in the plural for a group of such trees, as in "a row of platanes."
nounA plane tree of the genus Platanus. The term is less common in modern English than the usual label "plane tree."
- A tree of the genus Platanus, especially the London plane.
"A broad old platane provided welcome shade beside the village square."
"An old platane stood at the entrance to the garden."
"The avenue of platanes cast a welcome canopy of shade over the square."
The regular plural is used when referring to more than one tree.
"A row of platanes lines the old road."
The final e in platane is silent: this tree is pronounced PLAT-ən, not PLAT-ayne.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does platane come from?
The English word was borrowed from French platane, which came from Latin platanus. Latin platanus was borrowed from Greek platános, the name of the plane tree. Related English forms such as plane and the botanical platanaceous also reflect this ancient Greek and Latin source.
How platane is actually used
The word is uncommon in contemporary British and American English and may sound literary or somewhat old-fashioned. In British usage, platane can specifically suggest the London plane. The common modern expression is "plane tree."
Easily confused with platane
Platane specifically denotes a tree of the genus Platanus, whereas plane can also refer to a flat surface, an aircraft, or the tree.