French word

sève

Pronunciation

IPA/sɛv/

Meaning

  • feminine nounsap

Example

Au printemps, la sève monte dans les arbres.

In spring, the sap rises in the trees.

Illustration for sève (sap)

More examples

On récolte la sève d'érable pour fabriquer du sirop.

We harvest maple sap to make syrup.

Core concept

The nourishing fluid flowing through a plant, from its roots toward its growing parts.

Common phrases

  • la sève d'érable

    maple sap

  • récolter la sève

    harvest sap

Similar words

jus: A drinkable liquid obtained by pressing fruit or vegetables.

Definition in French

Liquide organique qui circule dans les vaisseaux des plantes et transporte l'eau et les nutriments nécessaires à leur croissance.

Word origin

French sève comes through Old French seve from Latin sapa, a word for plant juice or sap.

Usage tips

  • Sève is feminine, so standard forms include la sève, une sève, and cette sève.

Other meanings

  • vitalitynoun

Opposites

  • tarissementdrying upnoun

Word lists with this word