pa·lo·hier·ro \ˌpalōˈye(ˌ)rō, ˌpäl-\noun orpa·lo de hier·ro\-(ˌ)lōdāˈy-, -ōthā-\ (-s) Etymology: Mexican Spanish, literally, iron tree : any of several tropical or western American trees or shrubs with very hard strong tough wood; especially: desert ironwood