sumac

noun

su·​mac ˈshü-ˌmak 

ˈsü-

variants or less commonly sumach

1

: any of a genus (Rhus) of trees, shrubs, and woody vines of the cashew family that have leaves turning to brilliant colors in the autumn, small usually dioecious flowers, and spikes or loose clusters of red or whitish berries compare poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac

2

: a material used in tanning and dyeing that consists of dried powdered leaves and flowers of various sumacs

3

: the tart dried and ground red berries of several sumacs (such as Rhus coriaria) used as a spice especially in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cooking

Examples of sumac in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Vegetable tanning is an ancient method that dates back thousands of years, involving natural tannins — a term referring to the use of oak and other bark in tanning animal hides into leather — derived from trees and plants like oak and sumac. —Andre Claudio, WWD, 3 Sep. 2019

That sumac tuile Charbel made lives in my mind rent-free. —Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 29 May 2024

The seeds include sumac (chiiłchin), yucca, peaches and others. —Arlyssa D. Becenti, The Arizona Republic, 24 May 2024

For a size down from large trees: Choke berries, coral berries and any native species of sumac provide fruit and nuts that animals eat in the area. —Karl Schneider, The Indianapolis Star, 29 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English sumac, from Anglo-French, ultimately from Arabic summāq

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing sumac

• poison sumac
• staghorn sumac

Kids Definition

sumac

noun

su·​mac

variants also sumach

ˈsü-ˌmak 

ˈshü-

1

: a material used in tanning and dyeing made of the leaves and other parts of sumac

2

: any of a genus of trees, shrubs, and woody vines related to the cashew and having leaves turning to brilliant colors in autumn, spikes or loose clusters of red or whitish berries, and in some cases leaves or berries that are irritating to the skin compare poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac

Medical Definition

sumac

noun

su·​mac

variants also sumach

ˈsü-ˌmak  ˈshü- 

: any of various plants of the genus Rhus including several (as poison sumac) having foliage poisonous to the touch compare poison ivy, poison oak