Liriodendron \Lir`i*o*den"dron\ (l[i^]r`[i^]*[-o]*d[e^]n"dr[o^]n), n.; pl. {Liriodendra} (-dr[.a]). [NL., fr. Gr. lei`rion lily + de`ndron tree.] (Bot.) A genus of large and very beautiful trees of North America, having smooth, shining leaves, and handsome, tuliplike flowers; tulip tree; whitewood; -- called also {canoewood}. {Liriodendron tulipifera} is the only extant species, but there were several others in the Cretaceous epoch.