Definition

1. Noun:
   • A species of North American elm tree: "slippery elm" refers to a specific type of elm tree (Ulmus rubra) native to North America. It is characterized by its rough leaves, which are reddish when they first open in spring. The tree yields a hard, durable wood.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The inner bark of the slippery elm has been used in traditional medicine.
  • The forest contains several mature slippery elms.
  • Slippery elm wood is valued for its hardness and resistance to splitting.

Advanced Usage

• Botanical Context: The term is used precisely in botany and forestry to identify this specific species, distinguishing it from other elms like the American elm ().
  • The field guide helped us identify the tree as a slippery elm based on its leaf texture and early spring color.

Variants and Related Words

• Ulmus rubra (n): The scientific, Latin name for the slippery elm tree.
• Red elm (n): A common alternative name for the slippery elm, referring to the color of its heartwood or its spring buds.
• Inner bark (n): The part of the slippery elm tree historically harvested for its mucilaginous properties.

Synonyms

• Red elm: An alternative common name for the same tree species.

Notes on Meaning

• The primary meaning is botanical, referring to the tree itself. A secondary, related concept involves the use of its processed inner bark, often called "slippery elm bark," as an herbal supplement. However, the core definition pertains to the living tree species.

Noun

1. North American elm having rough leaves that are red when opening; yields a hard wood