cotton gum

American  

noun

1. any of several tupelo trees, especially Nyssa aquatica.

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Etymology

Origin of cotton gum

An Americanism dating back to 1855–60; so called from the cottonlike hairs of its seeds

Example Sentences

Owing to the prejudice against tupelo gum, it was until recently marketed under such names as bay poplar, swamp poplar, nyssa, cotton gum, circassian walnut, and hazel pine.

From Seasoning of Wood by Wagner, J. B. (Joseph Bernard)

The most important vegetable productions are—cereals, cotton, gum tragacanth, liquorice, olive oil, opium, rice, saffron, salep, tobacco and yellow berries.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 2, Slice 7 "Arundel, Thomas" to "Athens" by Various

The cotton gum is draped in cottony white down as the new shoots start and the leaves unfold in spring.

From Trees Worth Knowing by Rogers, Julia Ellen

The exports are coffee, cocoa, logwood, cotton, gum, honey, tobacco and sugar.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 12, Slice 7 "Gyantse" to "Hallel" by Various

Twigs are indicated in clammy locust, cotton gum, winged elm.

From Trees Worth Knowing by Rogers, Julia Ellen