sumach

/ ˈʃuː-; ˈsuːmæk /

noun

1. any temperate or subtropical shrub or small tree of the anacardiaceous genus Rhus, having compound leaves, clusters of green flowers, and red hairy fruits See also poison sumach
2. a preparation of powdered leaves of certain species of Rhus, esp R. coriaria, used in dyeing and tanning
3. the wood of any of these plants

Word History and Origins

Origin of sumach¹

C14: via Old French from Arabic summāq

Example Sentences

It is popularly known in the United States as "poison sumach," "poison dogwood" and "poison elder."

From Project Gutenberg

Or onward, where the sumach stands array'd In autumn splendor, its alluring form Fruited, yet odious with the hidden worm?

From Project Gutenberg

She reached out her sly hand for mine and drew it under cover of the sumach branch.

From Project Gutenberg

Deerslayer, do you mean to marry Sumach, now she has neither husband nor brother to feed her?

From Project Gutenberg

The savage Indians regard it with superstitious awe, and make a sacrifice of sumach leaves ere they attack and kill it.

From Project Gutenberg