sumac

/'su:mæk/ Cách viết khác : (sumach) /'su:mæk/

Thân thiện

A gardener trims a sumac shrub in the backyard.

Definition

Noun: 1. A type of shrub or small tree: A plant belonging to the genus Rhus, often characterized by compound leaves that typically turn bright red, orange, or purple in autumn, and clusters of small, usually red, fruits (drupes). 2. The dried and ground material: The dried leaves, and sometimes the berries, of certain non-poisonous species (especially Rhus coriaria), which are ground into a coarse, deep red or purple powder used as a spice, particularly in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines.

Examples

• The hillside was ablaze with the crimson foliage of the sumac.
• For a tart, lemony flavor, sprinkle some sumac on your grilled chicken or salad.
• The wood of the staghorn sumac is sometimes used for small carving projects.

Advanced Usage

• "Poison sumac" (): This is a specific, highly toxic plant in the same family (Anacardiaceae) that causes severe skin irritation. It is crucial to distinguish it from the common, non-poisonous varieties used for landscaping or spice. Example:
• "Sumac" as a dye/tanning agent: Historically, the leaves of certain sumac species were used in tanning leather and as a source of dye due to their high tannin content.

Variants and Related Words

• Sumach: An alternative, less common spelling of "sumac."
• Staghorn sumac (): A common ornamental species known for its velvety branches and conical, red fruit clusters.
• Smooth sumac (): Another common species with smooth stems and similar bright autumn color.
• Fragrant sumac (): A low-growing species often used as ground cover.

Synonyms

• Spice sumac: Specifically for the dried, ground product used in cooking.
• Shrub/Tree of the genus Rhus: The botanical designation.

Notes on Different Meanings

The word "sumac" primarily refers to the plant itself. Its secondary, distinct meaning refers to the culinary spice derived from it. The context (gardening vs. cooking) usually makes the intended meaning clear. The key distinction is between the non-poisonous species (generally referred to simply as "sumac") and the hazardous poison sumac.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a shrub or tree of the genus Rhus (usually limited to the non-poisonous members of the genus)
2. wood of a sumac

Từ đồng nghĩa

• sumach
• shumac