sumac

What is the opposite of sumac? Here is what we hold, with its meaning and related words.

Noun — Any of various shrubs or small trees of the genus Rhus and some related genera.

We haven't recorded synonyms for sumac yet. You can still read its full definition, where it comes from, or words that rhyme with it.

How to use sumac

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

ground sumac sprinkle with sumac sumac berries sumac tree

It is a neutral, everyday word in cooking and gardening.

Etymology

The English word came through Middle English from Anglo-Norman and Old French, or directly from Medieval Latin. Those forms go back to Arabic summāq, which in turn comes from a Classical Syriac word meaning red.

Full origin of sumac →

Frequently asked questions

What is sumac?

Sumac is either a shrub or small tree of the genus Rhus, or a sour spice made from the berries of tanner's sumac.

What does sumac taste like?

The spice is sour, which is why it is used to add sharpness to dishes.

Is sumac spelled sumach?

Sumach is a recorded alternative spelling, though sumac is the usual form.

Nearby words

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