elm

American  

[elm] / ɛlm /

noun

1. any tree of the genus Ulmus, as U. procera English elm, characterized by the gradually spreading columnar manner of growth of its branches.

2. the wood of such a tree.

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elm British  

/ ɛlm /

noun

1. any ulmaceous tree of the genus Ulmus, occurring in the N hemisphere, having serrated leaves and winged fruits (samaras): cultivated for shade, ornament, and timber

2. the hard heavy wood of this tree

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Etymology

Origin of elm

before 1000; Middle English, Old English; cognate with Old High German elm; akin to Old Norse almr, Latin ulmus

Example Sentences

And when things feel hopeless, we step outside our door and watch the golden light stream through our old California elm.

From Los Angeles Times

All three children gazed thoughtfully out the window, past the branches of the elm to the dark forest beyond.

From Literature

“Nice elm out there! Say, it’s almost dawn; look how the light is changing. Wouldn’t it be fun to take a walk and see the sunrise?”

From Literature

"It's made of English elm, so you would think it's made in England, but there are very similar Spanish examples you can find as well, constructed similarly, with elm," he said.

From BBC

Scientists had feared the ash would go the way of the elm, which has been almost wiped out by Dutch elm disease.

From BBC