: a widely distributed genus of trees and shrubs (family Aceraceae) having simple or compound leaves, polygamous or dioecious flowers, and winged fruits — see box elder, maple
First Known Use of Acer
1567, in the meaning defined above
History and Etymology for Acer
New Latin, from Latin, maple tree; akin to Old High German, Old Saxon, & Middle Low German ahorn maple tree, Old Danish ær, Greek akastos, a maple tree, akarna laurel, and probably to Latin acer sharp