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sumac

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(so̵̅o̅′mak′, s̸ho̵̅o̅′-)

or sumach

noun

any of various shrubs and small trees (genus Rhus) of the cashew family, including poison sumac and several nonpoisonous plants
the pulverized dried leaves of some of these nonpoisonous plants (esp. Rhus coriaria), used in tanning and dyeing
the wood of any of these plants

Origin: ME sumac < MFr < Ar summāq

See sumac in American Heritage Dictionary 4

also su·mach

noun

Any of various shrubs or small trees of the genus Rhus, having compound leaves, clusters of small greenish flowers, and usually red, hairy fruit. Some species, such as the poison ivy and poison oak, cause an acute itching rash on contact.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English, preparation made from sumac

Origin: , from Old French (possibly via Medieval Latin sumach)

Origin: , from Arabic summāq, sumac tree

Origin: , from Aramaic, dark red

Origin: , from səmaq, to be red; see smq in Semitic roots

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