liquidambar

[ lik-wid-am-ber, lik-wid-am- ]

noun

1. any tree of the genus Liquidambar, including the sweet gum.
2. the fragrant, yellowish, balsamic liquid exuded by this tree, used in medicine. Compare storax ( def 2 ).

liquidambar

/ ˌlɪkwɪdˈæmbə /

noun

1. See sweet gum
   any deciduous tree of the hamamelidaceous genus Liquidambar, of Asia and North and Central America, with star-shaped leaves, and exuding a yellow aromatic balsam See also sweet gum
2. See storax
   the balsam of this tree, used in medicine See also storax

Word History and Origins

Origin of liquidambar¹

1590–1600; < New Latin: genus name. See liquid, amber

Word History and Origins

Origin of liquidambar¹

C16: New Latin, from Latin liquidus liquid + Medieval Latin ambar amber

Example Sentences

Be this as it may, there are times when I sincerely long for a ball of liquidambar or a mouthful of pungent spring buds.

From Project Gutenberg

But a word more about the liquidambar—the name by which I hope the tree we are discussing may be talked of and thought of.

From Project Gutenberg

Liquidambar refers to gums excreted by the tree and sometimes used in medicine.

From Project Gutenberg

Those found in commerce are the balsam of Peru, balsam of Tolu, liquid storax and liquidambar.

From Project Gutenberg

Liquid storax or styrax preparatus, is a balsam yielded by Liquidambar orientalis, a native of Asia Minor.

From Project Gutenberg