Definition

Noun: 1. A deciduous tree native to eastern North America: The sassafras tree is known for its distinctive, aromatic properties and its leaves, which can have three different shapes (unlobed, mitten-shaped, and three-lobed) on the same plant. 2. Source of sassafras oil: The tree's root bark is historically used to produce an aromatic oil, flavoring, and tea.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The sassafras tree in our backyard turns a brilliant red in the autumn.
  • Early settlers made tea from the root bark of the sassafras tree.
  • We identified the sassafras tree by its unique, fragrant leaves.

Advanced Usage

• "stand of sassafras trees": a group or grove of these trees growing together.
  • A small stand of sassafras trees grew at the edge of the forest.

Variants and Related Words

• Sassafras (noun): This is the more common term used to refer to the tree itself, its dried root bark, or the flavor derived from it. It is often used interchangeably with "sassafras tree."
  • The recipe calls for a pinch of ground sassafras.
• Sassafras albidum (noun): The scientific (Latin) name for the species.

Synonyms

• Sassafras: The primary synonym.
• Cinnamon wood (archaic/regional): An old-fashioned name referencing the spice-like aroma of its bark.

Noun

1. yellowwood tree with brittle wood and aromatic leaves and bark; source of sassafras oil; widely distributed in eastern North America