slippery elm

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.

slippery elm

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of slippery elm¹

First recorded in 1740–50