American elder

noun

: an elder (Sambucus canadensis) of eastern North America with pale yellow branches, leaves with usually seven leaflets, flat-topped flower clusters, and purplish black fruit about ¹/₄ inch in diameter

Word History

First Known Use

1770, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of American elder was in 1770

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Dictionary Entries Near American elder

Cite this Entry

“American elder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/American%20elder. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

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