liquidambar

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

noun

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

Origin of liquidambar

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for liquidambar

Historical Examples of liquidambar

But as to the liquidambar, or sweet-gum, there can be no question.
Getting Acquainted with the Trees
J. Horace McFarland
The coloring of the Liquidambar in the fall is very beautiful.
Woodcraft
Alan Douglas
The trees were the liquidambar styraciflua, sweet or red gum, and were sent from the South.
Special Days and their Observance
Anonymous
The sweet-gum, copalm, or alligator tree (Liquidambar styraciflua).
Original Narratives of Early American History
Vaca and Others
There is not a more characteristic tree known than the sweet-gum, or liquidambar.
Evolution
Joseph Le Conte

British Dictionary definitions for liquidambar

liquidambar

noun

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

Word Origin for liquidambar

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

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