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Definition of monkey puzzle noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

monkey puzzle

noun
 
/ˈmʌŋki pʌzl/
 
/ˈmʌŋki pʌzl/
(also monkey puzzle tree)
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  1. a conifer tree with leaves like scales, that are thin, tough and very sharp
    Word Originmid 19th cent.: said to be so named in response to a remark that an attempt to climb the tree would puzzle a monkey.
See monkey puzzle in the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary
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