algum

noun

al·​gum

ˈal-ˌgəm also ˈȯl-

variants or less commonly almug

ˈal-ˌməg

plural -s

1

: a tree mentioned in the Old Testament, probably cypress, perhaps sandalwood or walnut

2

: red sandalwood

Word History

Etymology

from (assumed) Hebrew algōm, almōg (attested only in plural as algummīm, almuggīm)

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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