slippery elm

American  

noun

1. an elm, Ulmus rubra, of eastern North America, having a mucilaginous inner bark.

2. the bark of this elm, used as a demulcent.

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slippery elm British  

noun

1. a tree, Ulmus fulva, of E North America, having oblong serrated leaves, notched winged fruits, and a mucilaginous inner bark

2. the bark of this tree, used medicinally as a demulcent

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Etymology

Origin of slippery elm

First recorded in 1740–50

Example Sentences

All the singers drink slippery elm tea, but I got tired of it and I got into a bunch of different teas, like Earl Grey and rooibos tea, which is really popular in South Africa.

From New York Times • Jun. 10, 2023

Whether or not they actually suggested it, the “black ball” recipe contains dried raisins and figs, olive oil, charcoal, glycerin, senna and slippery elm.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 7, 2023

During one such illness, while she was managing a program aimed at reducing psychiatric hospital recidivism, she tried treating herself with herbs – elderberry root and slippery elm – instead of visiting a doctor.

From The Guardian • Dec. 6, 2018

The abortionist—a woman on the outskirts of Tampa, Florida—stuffed her uterus with slippery elm bark and told her not to come back.

From Slate • Dec. 4, 2018

He’s in front of his cabin in the shade of the big slippery elm tree, contemplating a twisted limb.

From "On the Far Side of the Mountain" by Jean Craighead George