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cotton gum

American  

noun

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


Etymology

Origin of cotton gum

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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 tupelo gum, or cotton gum, Nyssa aquatica L., is found in deep river swamps which are flooded during a part of the year.

From Forest Trees of Illinois How to Know Them by Fuller George D.

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

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

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