slippery elm

American  

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.

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slippery elm British  

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

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Etymology

Origin of slippery elm

First recorded in 1740–50

Example Sentences

During one such illness, while she was managing a program aimed at reducing psychiatric hospital recidivism, she tried treating herself with herbs – elderberry root and slippery elm – instead of visiting a doctor.

From The Guardian • Dec. 6, 2018

The abortionist—a woman on the outskirts of Tampa, Florida—stuffed her uterus with slippery elm bark and told her not to come back.

From Slate • Dec. 4, 2018

Nature writer Rutherford Platt, writing in the 1940s, said the best way to distinguish a slippery elm from an American elm is by the winter buds — the trees look too similar in growth.

From Washington Post • Feb. 16, 2016

Some owners swear by grain-free food as a way to reduce tummy troubles, or by adding bran or fiber, pumpkin, prunes, psyllium hulls or slippery elm to the cat's diet.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 30, 2011

“Honey. If you can get hold of any slippery elm powder, add a bit of that as well. But a spoonful of honey should help on its own,” I say.

From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen