Meanings
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Thesaurus
Common collocations
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.