sumac

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   any of various shrubs or small trees with divided leaves and dense clusters of reddish fruit

   Red sumac spread along the sunny edge of the abandoned field.

2. 2
   noun

   a tart red spice made from the dried fruit of certain sumac species

   She sprinkled sumac over the salad for a bright, lemony flavour.

From Middle English sumac, through Old French and Medieval Latin sumach, from Arabic summāq, 'sumac,' ultimately related to a Syriac word meaning 'red.' The alternative spelling sumach preserves an older final consonant. The name first referred to the shrub and its red, tannin-rich material; the culinary spice is made from the dried fruit of non-poisonous species.

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